Allegra Side Effects

Whether it is prescription drugs or over-the-counter, all medications can cause side effects. Many people, however, do not experience any serious side effects, and if at all they do, these are so minor that they eventually go away without the need for medical treatment. No less is true for Allegra, which is used to provide relief from seasonal allergic rhinitis, watery eyes, runny and stuffy nose, itchy throat and chronic urticaria.

Common Side Effects Caused by Using Allegra

The following are some of the common side effects caused due to the usage of Allegra. If a patient suffers from any of these symptoms, he / she should immediately seek the help of a physician.

While using Allegra, Allegra ODT and Allegra Suspension, the patient may experience:

  • dizziness
  • upset stomach
  • headache

While using Allegra D Extended Release (12 Hour) and Allegra D Extended Release (24 Hour) the patient may experience:

  • dizziness
  • headache
  • dry mouth
  • nausea
  • nervousness
  • trouble in sleeping

Severe Side Effects Caused Due to Allegra

If the patient experiences the following severe side effects due to the usage of Allegra, he / she should seek immediate medical attention.

Patients using Allegra, Allegra ODT and Allegra Suspension may experience:

  • rashes
  • itching
  • hives
  • breathing difficulty
  • earache
  • tightness in the chest
  • swelling of the face, mouth, lips or tongue
  • fever
  • persistent or severe vomiting or coughing

Patients using Allegra D Extended Release (12 Hour) and Allegra Extended Release (24 Hour) may suffer from:

  • rashes
  • itching
  • hives
  • breathing difficulties
  • tightness in the chest
  • swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or lips
  • chest pains
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • difficulty in urination
  • hallucinations
  • mood or mental changes
  • tremors and seizures

When to Avoid Using Allegra

Due to the presence of the decongestant pseudoephedrine both in Allegra D 12 Hour and 24 Hour Extended Release tablets, these must not be administered if you are taking a medication for depression such as a MAO inhibitor or have stopped taking a MAO inhibitor within 14 days from the administration of the Allegra D dosage.

Patients should also refrain from taking Allegra D if:

  • they have a tendency to retain urine
  • have severe high blood pressure or heart disease
  • have narrow angle glaucoma

Side Effects Caused Due to Pseudoephedrine Component in Allegra

Side effects arising from the pseudoephedrine component of Allegra D include:

  • nervousness
  • restlessness
  • insomnia
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • headache
  • palpitations
  • increased heart rate
  • abnormal heart rhythms
  • high blood pressure

Before taking Allegra, the patient should inform the physician if he / she has been diagnosed for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, glaucoma, impaired kidney function or symptoms of prostate enlargement such as difficulty in urinating.

The physician should also be informed before taking Allegra if the patient is pregnant, planning to have a baby or breast-feeding. There could also be some drugs that could affect the efficacy of Allegra and so, it is best to inform the physician regarding all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements that the patient is taking. For optimum results, it is best to take Allegra ODT on an empty stomach and to avoid fruit juices and aluminum or magnesium based antacids which could make it difficult for the body to absorb the antihistamine.