Fexofenadine

General Information and Indications:

Fexofenadine is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including runny nose; sneezing; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. It is also used to treat symptoms of hives (Urticaria), including itching and rash. Fexofenadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Fexofenadine may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.
 

Information For Users:

Fexofenadine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take fexofenadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.
Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

special precautions:

o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy to fexofenadine or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention either of the following: erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin) and ketoconazole (Nizoral). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o if you are taking antacids (Maalox, Mylanta), take them a few hours before or after fexofenadine.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding kidney disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking fexofenadine, call your doctor.
o you should know that fexofenadine may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.

Possible Adverse Effects:

Fexofenadine may cause adverse effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

o headache
o dizziness
o drowsiness
o back pain
o cough

Possible Symptoms of Overdose:

o dizziness
o sweating
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o tremor
o drowsiness
o fast or pounding heartbeat
o seizures
o confusion
o forgetfulness
o fast breathing
o coma

Brand Name(s):

o Allegra®

Brand Name(s)of combination products:

o Allegra-D® containing Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride