The
following information is a summary about Allegra-D.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
USES
Allegra D contains an antihistamine and decongestant
used to relieve allergy symptoms such as itchy red
eyes, stuffy nose and throat irritation.
DIRECTIONS
Take Allegra D by mouth on an empty stomach 1 hour
before or two hours after meals as directed, usually
twice daily. Taking Allegra Dicine with a high fat
meal can decrease its effectiveness. Do not take
antacids containing aluminum and magnesium within
2 hours of taking Allegra D. 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).
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. Allegra D 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.
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 perfom tasks requiring alertness (e.g.,
driving). If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription
med 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 Allegra D 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.
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.
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.
