Allegra (Fexofenadine Hcl)

Allegra Review

Fexofenadine hydrochloride (brand names include Allegra and Telfast) is an antihistamine drug used in the treatment of hayfever and similar allergy symptoms. It was developed as a successor of and alternative to terfenadine (brand names include Triludan and Seldane), an antihistamine with potentially serious contraindications. Fexofenadine, like other second and third-generation antihistamines, does not readily enter the brain from the blood, and so causes less drowsiness than first-generation histamine-receptor antagonists. It works by being an antagonist to the H1 receptor.

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Allegra Drug Class and Mechanism

Fexofenadine is an oral, "second generation" antihistamine that is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergy that are due to histamine. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, swelling of the lining of the nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and then attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine. The attachment of the histamine to the receptors causes the cell to be "activated," releasing other chemicals that produce the effects that we associate with allergy, e.g., sneezing. Fexofenadine blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of H1 receptor-containing cells by histamine. Unlike the first generation antihistamines, fexofenadine and other second-generation antihistamines do not readily enter the brain from the blood, and, therefore, they cause less drowsiness. Fexofenadine was approved by the FDA in July, 1995.

Allegra Uses

Allegra is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively were sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy nose/palate/throat, itchy/watery/red eyes.For seasonal allergies the recommended dose for adults and children 12 years or older is 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily.

Allegra Side Effects

Stop taking Allegra and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Allergic reactions occur only rarely, and other serious side effects are not likely to occur. Some less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Allegra and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea or an upset stomach. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Allegra Pregnancy

Allegra Overdose

Reports of fexofenadine overdose are infrequent, and because of this, the effects are not well established. No deaths occurred in testing on mice, at 5000 mg/kg, which is 110 times the maximum recommended dose for an adult human. Further research shows no deaths in rats at the same concentration, which equates four hundred times the recommended dose in an adult human.

Allegra More Information

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: MAO inhibitors, certain blood pressure drugs, digoxin, and all adrenaline-like drugs. Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Check the labels carefully on all nonprescription products, such as cough-and-cold medicines that contain antihistamines and decongestants. Consult your pharmacist. Do not take Allegra for several days before any allergy testing since test results can be affected. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.