Fexofenadine (Allegra) Side Effects & Uses

Fexofenadine (brand name drug: Allegra) belongs to a group of medications called antihistamines. It is widely used to treat allergy symptoms. Please continue reading to learn more about fexofenadine (Allegra) uses and side effects.

What is fexofenadine Allegra used for?

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that works by blocking the effects of a natural body chemical called histamine, which are responsible for allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, runny, itchy nose, and sneezing. By blocking histamines, fexofenadine helps relieve allergy symptoms.

Fexofenadine (Allegra) is used for short-term relief of allergy symptoms, including seasonal and perennial (year-round) allergies. Seasonal allergies are commonly known as hay fever, even though it is not caused by hay, nor does it cause fever. Fexofenadine (Allegra) is also used to treat hives. This medication is approved to be used in adults and children.

What symptoms does Allegra treat?

Allegra treats symptoms of hay fever such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes. It is also used to treat skin itching, skin rash, and urticaria or hives which cause itchy, red, and raised welts on the surface of the skin.

Combination products are used to treat cold symptoms such as stuffy nose and sinus pain or pressure. A wide range of cough and cold products contain fexofenadine (or other antihistamine) and a decongestant or a cough suppressant; the combination of these medicines works together to alleviate cough and cold symptoms. For example, Allegra-D contains fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant.

Who can take fexofenadine for seasonal allergies and skin allergic reactions?

Fexofenadine is FDA-approved for short-term relief from symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in children aged 2 years or older and adults. It is approved to give relief for chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) in children aged 6 months or older and adults.

How to use fexofenadine?

Fexofenadine can come in the form of a tablet blister pack, oral suspension (liquid), or orally disintegrating tablets. Read the package instructions or prescription carefully and take the correct dose of medicine by mouth. Do not take a higher dose or take fexofenadine more frequently than advised. Try to take your medicine at relatively close to the same time daily. Unfortunately, Allegra is not used to improve flu symptoms or pains from an ear infection. However, it can be beneficial for a stuffy nose.

Be sure to shake the bottle of fexofenadine suspension before using it. Measure the dose of liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup and not a regular household spoon.

Dosage

The usual dose of fexofenadine is as follows for people between 12 and 65 years of age:

12-hour tablet: One tablet (60 mg) by mouth every 12 hours.
24-hour tablet: One tablet (180 mg) by mouth once daily.
30 mg/5 mL oral suspension: 10 mL (60 mg) by mouth every 12 hours.
Allegra ODT (orally disintegrating tablet): Two tablets (total 60 mg) every 12 hours on an empty stomach (the tablet dissolves under the tongue).

For the appropriate dosage in children below 12 years of age and adults over 65, check with the person’s healthcare provider.

Food interactions

Avoid taking fexofenadine with fruit juices such as orange, grapefruit, or apple juice, as this can affect how well the medicine works.

It’s best not to drink alcohol while on fexofenadine because alcohol can worsen side effects like drowsiness and dizziness, increasing your risk of falls and injuries.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of fexofenadine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that was skipped.

Drug interactions

Fexofenadine can interact with other medicines. These interactions can affect how well you absorb fexofenadine or increase your risk of serious side effects. Some drugs that can interact with fexofenadine include antibiotics such as erythromycin (Erythrocin, E-Mycin, E.E.S.) and antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral).

Tell your doctor if you are taking muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, opioids, or medications used to treat anxiety or seizures. These drugs can worsen the drowsiness side effect of fexofenadine.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medicines, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal products, and dietary supplements, to avoid dangerous interactions.

If you take antacids containing magnesium or aluminum (for example, Mylanta or Maalox), take them at least 2 hours away from fexofenadine.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or have a nursing baby on breast milk. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while on fexofenadine.

What are the side effects of Allegra?

Common side effects of Allegra include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, indigestion, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and menstrual pain. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects if they are severe or persistent, even after your body adjusts to fexofenadine.

Stop fexofenadine and inform your doctor if you develop the following symptoms:

Drowsiness
Dizziness

Rarely, taking fexofenadine can cause a serious allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you develop an unusual or allergic reaction with signs and symptoms such as trouble breathing or swallowing, skin rash, hives, itching, hoarseness, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, hands, lower legs, ankles, or feet.

In case of an overdose of fexofenadine, call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or seek immediate medical attention. If a person has collapsed, cannot be awakened, is having trouble breathing, or has had a seizure, call 911. Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness.

When should you not take fexofenadine?

You should not take fexofenadine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to fexofenadine or any of the active or inactive ingredients in fexofenadine formulations. Your pharmacist can give you a list of ingredients.

Also, people with kidney disease should discuss the pros and cons of using fexofenadine with their healthcare provider.

Note: This brief overview of fexofenadine (Allegra) is for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you further fexofenadine drug information.

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