The
following information is a summary about Allegra-D. It
is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
USES
Allegra D contains an antihistamine and decongestant
used to relieve allergy symptoms such as itchy red eyes,
stuffy nose and throat irritation.
DIRECTIONS
Take Allegra D by mouth on an empty stomach 1 hour before
or two hours after meals as directed, usually twice daily.
Taking Allegra Dicine with a high fat meal can decrease
its effectiveness. Do not take antacids containing aluminum
and magnesium within 2 hours of taking Allegra D. Swallow
the medicine whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet, and
do not take more than prescribed. Do not take this product
within 14 days after stopping an MAO Inhibitor (see Drug
Interactions).
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies,
kidney/urinary problems, enlarged prostate, glaucoma (narrow
angle), severe high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes,
thyroid problems (hyperthyroid). Limit alcohol intake,
as it may aggravate drug side effects. Allegra D should
be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. The pseudoephedrine
in this product is excreted into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this
product is used in the elderly since this group may be
more sensitive to side effects.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, headache, or cold
symptoms may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify
your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: dizziness,
mental/mood changes, fast heartbeat, fever. Tell your doctor
immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious
side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat. Although
drowsiness is very uncommon at usual doses under normal
circumstances, be aware that drowsiness may occur and may
effect the ability to perfom tasks requiring alertness
(e.g., driving). If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription
med you may use, especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., selegiline,
furazolidone, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide,
procarbazine, linezolid), certain blood pressure drugs
(e.g., methyldopa, mecamylamine, reserpine, prazosin),
digoxin, all adrenaline-like drugs. Report other drugs
which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such
as: dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide,
sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide
or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details. Check the labels carefully on all nonprescription
products, such as cough-and-cold medicines which contain
antihistamines and decongestants. Consult your pharmacist.
Do not take Allegra D 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.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include irregular or unusually slow or fast heartbeat,
unusual nervousness or excitement, rapid breathing, confusion,
hallucinations, and seizures.
