BRAND NAMES
ANTIHISTAMINES, NONSEDATING
CETIRIZINE-
Reactine,
Zyrtec,
Zyrtec-D DESLORATADINE-
Clarinex,
Clarinex D12 Hour, Clarinex D 24 Hour, Clarinex Redi-Tabs, Clarinex Syrup
FEXOFENADINE-
Allegra,
Allegra-D,
Allegra-D 24 Hour,
Allegra Oral Suspension
LORATADINE- Alavert, Alavert D-12, Children's Claritin
Syrup, Grape Children's Claritin,
Grape Chewable Claritin, Claritin-D, Claritin-D 12 Hour, Claritin-D 24 Hour, Claritin Extra, Claritin Hives
Relief, Claritin Redi-Tabs, Claritin Syrup, Triaminic Aller-Chews
BASIC ALLEGRA INFO
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes, for some
Available as generic? Yes, for some
Drug class: Antihistamine
ALLEGRA MEDICAL USES
Reduces allergic symptoms caused by hay
fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), such as
Sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose or throat,
Itchy and watery eyes.
Treatment for urticaria (hives).
Used to help relieve some asthma symptoms.
Other uses as recommended by your doctor.
MEDICAL DOSAGE & ALLEGRA USAGE
How to take
Allegra:
- Capsule, tablet, suspension, syrup: Swallow with liquid.
- Most may be taken with food or milk to lessen stomach irritation.
- Chewable tablet: Chew the tablets well before swallowing.
- Oral disintegrating tablet: Let tablet dissolve in mouth. No need to drink fluid.
When to take:
-
Varies with form, and brand. Follow label directions.
If you forget a dose:
-
Take as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, wait for the next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
-
Blocks action of histamine after an allergic response triggers histamine release in sensitive cells. Histamines cause itching, sneezing, runny nose and eyes and other symptoms.
Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 2 hours.
Don't take with:
Any other medicine or any dietary supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
 ALLEGRA
OVERDOSE |
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 SYMPTOMS:
Serious Irregular heartbeat, convulsions,
Severe headache, nausea.
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 ALLEGRA
SIDE EFFECTS
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Common Allegra
Side Effects:
Dryness of mouth, nose
Or throat.
Infrequent Allegra Side Effects:
Increased appetite, weight gain, mild stomach or intestinal problems, cold or flu-like symptoms.
Rare Allegra Side Effects:
Heart rhythm
disturbances,
fainting.
Allergic reaction such
as mild skin rash,
headache, nausea,
dizziness, nervousness, fatigue, muscle
aches. Drowsiness
may occur even
though these drugs
are non-sedating.
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 | PRECAUTIONS
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Don't take if:
-
You are allergic to any antihistamine.
Before you start, consult your doctor if:
- You have any type of heart disorder.
- You have glaucoma.
- You have enlarged prostate or urinary retention problems.
- You have asthma or a respiratory disease.
- You have liver or kidney disease.
- You have peptic ulcer.
- You have electrolyte abnormality, such as low potassium (hypokalemia).
Over age 60:
-
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
-
Risk factors vary for drugs in this group.
Consult doctor.
Breast-feeding:
-
Drug may pass into milk.
- Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine.
- Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.
Infants & children:
-
Consult your child's doctor for proper dosage.
Prolonged use:
- Antihistamines are normally taken during the hay fever season.
- Longer use may be recommended by your doctor depending on the disorder being treated.
Skin & sunlight:
-
Rarely, may cause rash or intensify sunburn in areas exposed to sun or ultraviolet light (photo-sensitivity reaction).
- Avoid overexposure.
- Notify doctor if reaction occurs.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
-No problems expected.
Discontinuing:
-
No problems expected.
Others:
- Don't exceed recommended dose. This can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
- Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
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