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What is Allegra? |
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Drug Uses
Allegra is an antihistamine medication which treats the symptoms resulting from allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) in children aged six and older and in adults. The drug is also administered for the treatment of skin itching or hives, symptoms of a condition known as chronic idiopathic urticaria. The symptoms which Allegra treats include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, itching nose and throat cavity, and rinorrhea.
How to Take Allegra
Allegra is an oral intake medication, and must only be taken with water. Shake the liquid form thoroughly before measuring it with the provided cap. To take the oral disintegrating form, peel back the foil from the blister pack, and with dry hands, place the tablet into your mouth; it will dissolve immediately. Allow the medication to dissolve thoroughly in your mouth, and avoid chewing it or swallowing it whole. Swallow it as it dissolves. It is best to take Allegra on an empty stomach, one hour prior to or two hours after a meal.
Drug Precautions
Allegra can be harmful to an unborn child, and it is uncertain if the drug can pass into breast milk and cause harm to a breastfeeding child. Talk to a medical practitioner first if you have these conditions, or if you have a current kidney illness. The medication should not be used to treat symptoms of hay fever in children below six years old; however, the oral suspension form may be administered to children aged two to eleven, and if used for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria, may be used for a child aged as young as two months.
Drug Interactions
Drugs such as ketoconazole and erythromycin may have an effect on the potency of Allegra. You may also need to inform your doctor about all of the drugs which you are currently taking, particularly MAO inhibitors, drugs which have similar effects to adrenaline, digoxin, and, medication for controlling blood pressure. Take extra precaution when using Allegra with drugs which can influence heart rhythms. Do check the contents of all your nonprescription medications, like cough or cold drugs that include antihistamines or decongestants, and do not take Allegra until allergy tests for it turn out negative.
Side Effects
You may have an allergic reaction to Allegra; although this rarely occurs, as well as other serious adverse effects, seek medical help if you have difficulty breathing, and experience a closed throat, with swollen areas on the face. Otherwise, continue to take the medication despite minor effects like queasiness and an upset stomach.
Missed Dose
Make up for a missed dose as soon as you are reminded of it. But do ensure that the next intake is not due for some time; otherwise skip the dose and take the next one.
Overdose
An excessive dose of Allegra may result in symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, and a parch mouth. Seek immediate medical aid in such occurrences.
Storage
Keep the tablets in standard room temperatures, and the blister packs from excessive moisture.
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