The recommended fexofenadine dosage for adults and children 12 years old and above who exhibit seasonal allergies or chronic hives, the recommended fexofenadine dosage is either 60 mg twice a day or 180 mg once a day. However, if you are over 65 years old or suffer from kidney disease, your physician may start you off on a lower dosage of, say, fexofenadine 60 mg once a day.

For children whose ages range from 6 to 11 years old, the recommended fexafenadine dosage is 30 mg twice daily. Children within this age group are recommended to take either the orally disintegrating tablet form of fexafenadine, which quickly dissolves in the mouth, or oral suspension. Children who suffer from kidney disease are recommended to take a half dose of fexofenadine 30 mg once a day.

Fexofenadine is also recommended for the treatment of seasonal allergies in toddlers as young as two years old and for chronic hives in children as young as six months old. However, for children this young, it is recommended that fexofenadine be administered in oral suspension form. Fexofenadine dosage for children two years to five years old is recommended at 30 mg, or one teaspoon twice a day. For children 6 months to 2 years old, the recommended dosage is 15 mg, or half-teaspoon of fexofenadine oral suspension twice daily. For children two years old and above who are suffering from kidney disease, the recommended dosage is 30 mg daily, while infants six months old to two years of age who have kidney disease may be administered a dosage of 15 mg once a day.

Fexofenadine that comes in oral suspension or tablet form may be taken with or without food. However, the orally disintegrating tablet form should only be taken on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. When fexofenadine dosage is administered, remember not to drink any fruit juices as these could interfere with the way your body handles the medication. Strictly follow your doctor’s prescription, otherwise your allergic symptoms will most likely come back. If you forgot to take a dose of fexofenadine, take it immediately. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Never take two or more doses at the same time.

Whether it comes as Allegra or as a fexofenadine generic drug, Fexofenadine Hydrochloride is as potent as the innovator drug in relieving symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria in adults and in children six years old and above. As a “second generation” antihistamine, it causes less sedative effects and drowsiness than the “first generation” medications because it does not readily enter the brain from the blood. This medication can be taken orally on an empty or full stomach. However, antacids with magnesium or aluminum can decrease the body’s absorption of the blood, which is why it is recommended not to take antacids within two hours of taking the fexofenadine generic drug.

Just like its brand name, the fexofenadine generic drug has some side effects, which may include: back pain, menstrual cramps, upset stomach, cough, fever, earache, stuffy nose, or dizziness. Notify your physician immediately if any of these side effects persist. While this drug does not normally cause drowsiness at recommended doses, exercise extreme caution when you do feel dizzy especially when engaging in activities that require alertness like using machinery or driving a vehicle. While a serious side effect to this medication is very unlikely, immediately seek medical attention if it occurs. Some symptoms of allergic reaction to this drug may include severe dizziness, swelling, rash, itchiness, or difficulty in breathing.

Before you take the fexofenadine generic drug, inform your physician about your drug allergies, if any. Be on the safe side by informing your physician about your medical history, especially of heart problems or kidney disease. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages because it could intensify the side effects of the medication. Seniors, who tend to more sensitive to the effects of the drug, should use it with caution. Speak to your physician if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or plan to have a baby during the treatment period as it has not been known if this medication will have any adverse effect on the baby or fetus.

Over-the-counter drugs include second-generation antihistamines like loratadine. Generic medications such as this antihistamine are also sold as a “generic drug” and are marketed for its non-sedating properties. It is precisely because of this property that loratadine was developed by Schering-Plough in line with its quest for a blockbuster drug. However, by the time it was submitted to the US Food and Drugs Administration for approval, another non-sedating antihistamine, terfenadine, had already been approved thereby placing loratadine on a lower priority. Nonetheless, after its approval by the FDA in 1993, loratadine accounted for twenty-eight percent of Schering-Plough’s sales.

When marketed as loratadine generic drug, this antihistamine medication is available as syrup, oral suspension and tablets. This drug is also available as fast-dissolving tablets that are promoted for its ability to quickly be absorbed into the circulatory system but because of its susceptibility to degrade in the package, requires special handling. While no dose adaptation is needed for the renally impaired or elderly patients, those with severe hepatic disorders may have to start with a lower dose. The loratadine generic drug has been classified as L-2 by the American Academy of Pediatrics as generally compatible with breast-feeding. Animal reproduction studies in the US have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, therefore classified as category B in pregnancy.

Keep the loratadine generic drug out of reach of children and tightly closed in the container it came in. Store the drug at room temperature away from heat, light and moisture. Immediately after removing them from the blister package, use the orally disintegrating tablets, and use within six months when you first opened the outer foil pouch. Write down the date when you opened the foil pouch so that you will know when the product has expired the six-month period.

The recommended Allegra dosage for adults and children who are 12 years old and above with seasonal allergies is Allegra 60 mg twice daily or Allegra 180 mg once a day. However, for seniors who are 65 years old and above or those who have kidney disease, their health care provider may recommend a lower dosage such as Allegra 60 mg once a day.

Children 6 to 11 years of age who exhibit seasonal allergies may be administered an Allegra dosage of 30 mg twice a day, which should preferably be in the form of orally disintegrating tablets, which quickly dissolves in the mouth or the oral suspension liquid. For children with kidney disease, a half dose or 30 mg once a day is recommended.

Allegra is also indicated for seasonal allergies in two year old toddlers and chronic hives in children as young as six months old. However, the Allegra oral suspension is recommended for children this young. Allegra dosage for children two to five years old are recommended to take 30 mg, or one teaspoonful, twice daily. For children whose ages range from six months to two years old, the dosage is 15 mg or one-half teaspoon of Allegra oral suspension twice daily. For children two years and older who have kidney disease, the recommended dosage is 30 mg a day, while for those whose ages range from six months to two years old and suffering from kidney disease the recommended dosage is 15 mg once a day.

Whether it comes in tablet or oral suspension, Allegra dosage may be administered either on a full, or an empty stomach. However, the orally disintegrating tablets should only be taken on an empty stomach. The medication should not be taken with fruit juices as these could affect how your body will absorb the medication. For optimum results, religiously follow your physician’s prescription. If you don’t, it is most likely that your allergic symptoms will return. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next Allegra dose, continue with your normal dosing schedule and skip the missed dose. Avoid taking two doses at the same time.

Allegra on the other hand is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals. While Allegra comes in different varieties: Allegra, Allegra-D 12 Hour and Allegra-D 24 Hour; not all of the abovementioned pharmaceuticals manufacturing generic Allegra, manufacture the other variants as well.

Generic Allegra-D is currently being manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals.

What is the Generic Name of Allegra?

Allegra Generic is known as Fexofenadine Hydrochloride. This is a prescription drug given to patients suffering from seasonal allergies. Fexofenadine is a second generation type of antihistamine known to treat allergies caused by the chemical histamine.

Second generation medication means a newer and better version of the original medication. For instance, in first generation antihistamines, the most common side-effect is that of feeling drowsy after taking the medication.

This can hamper your daily routine, making it harder for you to concentrate and perform tasks because of drowsiness.

Second generation antihistamines like Fexofenadine on the other hand, are believed to be less likely to make you drowsy. This is why, this has become the more popular choice of antihistamine for people suffering from temporary allergies.

Doses and Contraindications

Allegra and its generic counterparts come in several options: Fexofenadine Hydrochloride 30 mg, 60 mg and 180 mg. Dosage will be given to the patient according to the severity of the allergy condition and the doctor’s discretion.

The number of days that you will be taking this medication will likewise be indicated by your prescribing physician. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure that the medication will have the expected effect.

If a patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to inform the doctor about this to make sure that no serious side effects will manifest.

While there have been no conclusive studies or evidence that this medication is harmful to a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, it is still necessary to consult the doctor prior to taking this medication.

You should also inform your doctor if you are taking other forms of medication for health problems particularly for kidney disease. Finally, let your doctor know if you have other health problems to make sure that the medication will not aggravate or have negative effects on your medical condition.

Generic Allegra is available in drugstores and is likewise found in online pharmacies.

Purpose

Allegra (fexofenadine) is an antihistamine utilized to treat hay fever and other seasonal allergies. Fexofenadine can also be used to treat hives and skin itching. The medication can be used by children and adults.

Prior to Taking the Medication

Inform your doctor if you have any kidney ailments or allergic to any type of drug. Tell your doctor about any over the counter drugs that you are taking. This should include herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals and medication.

Before taking the drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to be during the course of treatment. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using the medication.

Allegra Dosage

Because you cannot take Allegra OTC, you should only take the medication as instructed by your doctor. Always follow the directions on the prescription. The regular tablets are taken with a glass of water. If you are taking fexofenadine orally disintegrating tablets (Allegra ODT), keep the following in mind.

The tablet should be taken an hour or two hours after a meal. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until you are going take it. Make sure your hands are dry when you hold the tablet.

Let the tablet dissolve. Do not chew or swallow. You can drink some water afterwards. Do not take antacids and fruits juices when taking the medication.

Store the medication at room temperature. Keep it away from heat. Keep the bottle closed. Open only when you take medication.

Potential Side Effects

Minor side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, feeling tired, drowsiness, headaches, menstrual cramps and back pain. Some of the more serious side effects are swelling of the face and other body parts, hives and breathing difficulties. You should call your doctor if you develop fever, headaches or the other serious symptoms.

Other Information

If you missed a dose, take the medicine as soon as possible. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed one and take your regular medication. Get medical attention if you overdose.

Since you cannot get Allegra OTC, it is only through your doctor that you can get the medication. If you have any other questions about the drug, ask your doctor.

Fexofenadine should be taken orally with a full glass of water. It can be taken either on a full or an empty stomach, but do not take it more often than directed by your physician. While children as young as six years old may be prescribed with this medication, always be on the safe side by first consulting your pediatrician before actually administering the drug to children. Before you take fexofenadine, it is also equally important to let your physician know if you suffer from any heart problems, kidney disease, epilepsy or a blood disorder called porphyria. Also let your health provider know if your are pregnant, trying for a baby during the treatment period or are breast-feeding; and, if you are taking both prescription and non-prescription drugs and supplements or if you have ever experienced fexofenadine side effects or allergic reactions to any drugs.

Together with their therapeutic effects, almost all medicines have their share of unwanted side effects that usually go away as your body gets used to the new medicine. While the following fexofenadine side effects are exceedingly rare, speak to your physician if they do occur or continue bother you: Drowsiness and blurry vision- this is a potentially dangerous condition. So be sure you are alert before you drive a vehicle or operate machinery. Do not take any alcohol while you are on fexofenadine medication because alcoholic substances will increase drowsiness; Headache- ask your pharmacist for a suitable painkiller and if the side effect persists, speak to your physician; Dry mouth- try sucking on a piece of ice or sugar-free candy. But if your mouth becomes too dry as to bother you, speak to your physician; and, Skin sensitivity to sunlight- in bright sunlight, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of more than 15. Other fexofenadine side effects, rare though they are include the following: Upset stomach, skin rashes, dizziness, tremors, mood changes and disturbed sleep.

However, if you experience the following severe Allegra side effects, seek immediate attention: For Allegra, Allegra ODT and Allegra Suspension – 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; and, For Allegra D Extended Release (12 Hour) and Allegra Extended Release (24 Hour) – Allegra side effects may includerashes, 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.

Because of 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. Also refrain from taking Allegra D if you retain urine, have severe high blood pressure or heart disease, or narrow angle glaucoma. Allegra side effects arising from the pseudoephedrine component of Allegra D may include nervousness, restlessness, insomia and dizziness. Drowsiness, headache, palpitations, increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure have also been reported. Before taking Allegra, inform your physician if you have 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.

Also inform your physician before taking Allegra if you are pregnant, planning to have a baby or breast feeding because it has been known if the active ingredient of Allegra, which is fexofenadine, passes into breast milk or could harm a fetus. There could also be some drugs that could affect the efficacy of Allegra, so inform your physician of all prescribed and over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and herbal supplements that you are currently taking. For optimum results, take Allegra ODT on an empty stomach and avoid fruit juices and aluminum or magnesium based antacids which could make it difficult for your body to absorb the antihistamine.

Allegra D comes as a bi-layer 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. 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.

Because 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, or those who are diagnosed with diabetes, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, heart disease, high intraocular pressure, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, kidney disease and stomach ulcers. Because seniors are more likely to experience the side effects of pseudoephedrine, they should also use this medication with caution. Children below the age of twelve, those who breast-feed and pregnant women should not take Allegra D without first speaking to their physician for guidance.

If you are taking other medications other than Allegra D, it does not always mean that you should stop taking one or any of them. Always consult your physician about how the interaction of these medications can be managed properly. Always be on the safe side by informing your physician or pharmacist about all over-the-counter, prescription drugs and herbal supplements that you are currently taking. If you use prohibited drugs or take alcoholic drinks, caffeine from coffee and nicotine from cigarettes, inform your physician because these can also affect the action of many medications.

Before taking Allegra, inform your physician if you have kidney disease or if you are allergic to any drugs. Certain antacids and even fruit juices can make it more difficult for your body to absorb this antihistamine. It is advisable to use the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, so take it at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Allegra may be affected by other drugs so inform your physician about all the over-the-counter and prescription drugs that you use to include vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements and drugs that have been prescribed to you by other physicians. Remember not to start using a new medicine without informing your physician.

If you think you have taken too much of this new medicine or if you exhibit any allergic reactions such as difficulty of breathing, hives, swelling of your face, throat, tongue or lips stop using it at once and seek emergency medical help. If your allergy does not improve, or if they get worse after you start taking Allegra inform your physician immediately. Follow the dosage prescribed by your physician.

Since it has not been medically established that Allegra is harmful to an unborn baby, inform your physician before taking the antihistamine if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant during the course of the treatment period. It is not also known if this drug passes into breast milk or if it will potentially harm a nursing baby. So, if you are breast-feeding a baby, inform your physician before using this antihistamine. Allegra capsules and tablets may be used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms in children six years old and above. For children of ages two to eleven years old, the oral suspension or liquid form may be used. The liquid form may also be used for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria in children as young as two months old.