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Allegra
Uses:
This medication contains an antihistamine and decongestant used to relieve
allergy symptoms such as itchy red eyes, stuffy nose and throat irritation.
How To Take:
Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach 1 hour before or two
hours after meals as directed, usually twice daily. Taking this medicine
with a high fat meal can decrease its effectiveness. Do not take antacids
containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of taking this medication.
Swallow the medicine whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet, and do not
take more than prescribed. Do not take this product within 14 days after
stopping an MAO Inhibitor (see Drug Interactions).
Side Effects:
Nausea, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, headache, or cold symptoms may
occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely
but report promptly: dizziness, mental/mood changes, fast heartbeat, fever.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very
serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat. Although drowsiness
is very uncommon at usual doses under normal circumstances, be aware that
drowsiness may occur and may effect the ability to perform tasks requiring
alertness (e.g., driving). If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, kidney/urinary
problems, enlarged prostate, glaucoma (narrow angle), severe high blood
pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid
problems (hyperthyroid). Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate drug
side effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. The
pseudoephedrine in this product is excreted into breast milk. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this product
is used in the elderly since this group may be more sensitive to side
effects.
Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you
may use, especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, furazolidone, phenelzine,
tranylcypromine, moclobemide, procarbazine, linezolid), certain blood
pressure drugs (e.g., methyldopa, mecamylamine, reserpine, prazosin),
digoxin, all adrenaline-like drugs. Report other drugs which affect the
heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine,
sotalol, procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics
such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details. Check the labels carefully on all nonprescription products,
such as cough-and-cold medicines which contain antihistamines and decongestants.
Consult your pharmacist. Do not take this medication for several days
before any allergy testing since test results can be affected. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular
or unusually slow or fast heartbeat, unusual nervousness or excitement,
rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.
Notes:
Do not share this medication with others.
Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the
time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C)
away from sunlight and moisture.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other
healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the
use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking the product.
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