Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Allegra is an antihistamine with antiallergic properties. Its composition includes fexofenadine, which is the active substance of the drug. Allegra is recommended for adults and children over 12 years of age. Its task is to alleviate the troublesome symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Allegra – action
The active substance of Allegra is fexophenatin hydrochloride, which is a second-generation antihistamine drug. Each tablet contains 120 mg of this substance. Compared to generation I drugs, Allegra, when used in the recommended doses, has practically no sedative and hypnotic effects.
Fexofenadine is the active metabolite of terfenadine. It works by blocking type I histamine receptors. The action of histamine is stopped, while relieving allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, itching and swelling of the mucous membranes, and skin symptoms such as itching, hives and redness.
After oral administration, this substance is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and the maximum concentration is reached after 1-3 hours after administration. Allegra works after an hour and gives the best results after 6 hours. The effects of using Allegra can be felt up to 24 hours. The active substance is excreted unchanged in bile and urine.
Check it out: What are the effects of an untreated allergy?
Allegra – indications
Allegra is a histamine drug designed to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis in adults and children over 12 years of age.
Allegra – contraindications
Allegra may not always be used in all cases, even if indications exist. Primary contraindication to the use of Allegra is hypersensitivity, i.e. allergy to any component of the drug, including auxiliary substances.
In addition, Allegra cannot be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Check it out: How to prevent food allergy in children?
Allegra – precautions
Certain precautions should be taken when using Allegra. Certain diseases and other circumstances may prevent you from taking the drug or may require a dose adjustment of Allegra. Check-up is required in some situations.
Application of Allegra it is not advisable in the case of:
- kidney problems;
- liver disorders;
- elderly patient.
Particular caution when using Allegra should be followed by people with heart and cardiovascular diseases, because antihistamines, and therefore Allegra, can cause side effects in the form of increased heart rate (tachycardia) and palpitations.
So far not reported negative impact of the use of Allegra on the patient’s ability to drive or operate machinery. However, it is worth checking the individual reactions of the patient and exercising particular caution, because some people may experience somnolence or other negative effects of Allegra’s action, impairing the patient’s psychomotor performance. Allegra may impair concentration and the ability to react quickly, and may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Check it out: Common runny nose or allergy? How to tell them apart?
Allegra – dosage
Allegra is in the form of film-coated tablets that are taken orally. When using the drug, do not exceed the doses recommended by the manufacturer. Higher than allowed doses of Allegra will not increase its effectivenessand may have a negative impact on health and life. If you have any doubts about taking this medicine, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
At the same time, remember not to use the preparation for more than 5 days without consulting a doctor.
Adults and children over 12 years of age should take a single dose of 120 mg Allegra. The tablets should be taken with a meal.
It is forbidden to give Allegra to children under 12 years of age.
In addition, it should be remembered that the elderly should be especially careful when using Allegra. People with kidney or liver problems should also exercise caution. No additional dose adjustment is required in these individuals.
Check it out: A pesky world. Allergy, hypersensitivity or intolerance?
Allegra – pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should not take any medications without consulting your doctor. You should clarify any doubts about the risks and benefits of taking Allegra. The use of Allegra should be consulted with a doctor, even if you are planning a pregnancy. The manufacturer does not recommend the use of Allegra during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Allegra – interactions with other drugs
Before starting to use Allegra, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including those sold without a prescription.
The active substance of Allegra is not metabolized in the liver, therefore there are no interactions with drugs that are metabolized in the liver. In addition, the concomitant use of fexofenadine with ketoconazole or erythromycin may increase the concentration of this substance in the blood. No interactions have been observed between fexofenadine and omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor used in the treatment of acidity and heartburn.
If the patient is taking antacids concomitantly, they may limit the bioavailability of fexofenadine. It is worth keeping a 2-hour break between medications so that it does not affect Operation of Allegra.
It should also be remembered that Allegra may affect the results of skin allergy tests.
Check it out: Desensitization is an effective method of treating allergies
Allegra – side effects
Allegra, like any other drug, may cause side effects. However, it should be remembered that they do not apply to all people using the preparation. Most often benefits of using Allegra are greater than the risk of side effects.
The most common side effects of Allegra are:
- somnolence;
- headaches;
- dizziness;
- nausea.
Fatigue may also appear. Some people also developed:
- nervousness;
- insomnia;
- sleep disturbance;
- tachycardia;
- palpitations;
- diarrhea;
- itching and rash;
- hypersensitivity reactions;
- anaphylactic shock.
Allegra – missed dose
If for any reason you have missed one dose of Allegra, do not take a double dose. Take the next dose of Allegra at the usual time. If in doubt, seek help from a doctor or pharmacist.
Allegra – storage
Allegra should be kept out of the reach and sight of children. The drug should not be used after the expiry date stated on the package. The expiry date should be understood as the last day of the month specified on the package or Allegra blister.
Allegra should be stored at a temperature below 25 degrees C. After the expiry date, the remaining tablets should not be thrown into the sewage system or in a waste bin. It is best to take them to the nearest pharmacy and dispose of them in a specially designed container.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.