Allegra D
Allegra D contains two active ingredients:
- pseudoephedrine
- fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is a second generation oral antihistamine that is used to treat allergic reactions to histamine.
Pseudoephedrine, on the other hand, is a decongestant that works by shrinking the dilated blood vessels in the nasal passages that cause congested or stuffy nose. Combined, these ingredients decongest the sinuses and help provide relief from the following symptoms:
- allergic rhinitis
- runny and itchy nose
- sneezing
- throat irritation
- watery eyes
While the usual dose for adults and children twelve years old and above is one caplet twice a day, many factors can affect the dosage such as body weight, health condition and other medicines being taken by the patient. A lower dosage, for instance, may be prescribed to patients with poor kidney function. Allegra D should not be taken within two hours of ingesting an antacid that contains magnesium or aluminum.
When to Avoid Taking Allegra D
Allegra D comes as a bilayer clear film coated capsule-shaped tablet, or caplet, with one half colored tan and the other half, white. The fexofenadine layer is an immediate-release drug while the pseudoephedrine layer is a sustained-release formulation.
Allegra D should be avoided in the following cases.
- This medication should not be taken by patients who are allergic to pseudoephedrine or fexofenadine or any of the other ingredients contained in the drug. Patients who have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors within fourteen days or who will take this drug during that period should also not use this medication.
- As one of the active ingredient of Allegra D is the decongestant pseudoephedrine, it should be used with caution by patients who have a hyperactive response to ephedrine.
- It should also be used with caution by patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, heart disease, high intraocular pressure, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, kidney disease and stomach ulcers.
- As senior patients are more likely to experience the side effects of pseudoephedrine, they should also use this medication with caution.
- Children below the age of twelve, pregnant women and women who are breast-feeding should not take Allegra D without first consulting their physician.
Some More Points to Keep in Mind While Using Allegra D
If the patient is taking other medications apart from Allegra D, it does not necessarily mean that the patient should stop taking one or any of them. It is best to consult the physician about how the interaction of these medications can be managed properly. It is advisable to be on the safe side by informing the physician or pharmacist about all over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs and herbal supplements that are being consumed by the patient. If the patient is using prohibited drugs or has the habit of consuming alcoholic drinks, caffeine from coffee and nicotine from cigarettes, the patient has to inform his / her physician because these aspects can also affect the intake of many medications.