FEXOFENADINE 180 MG TABLET - ORAL
Common Brand Name(s): Allegra
Phonetic Pronunciation: (fex-oh-FEN-uh-deen)
Information last revised May 2010
What does FEXOFENADINE 180 MG TABLET-PO look like?
Allegra 180 mg Tab
fexofenadine 180 mg Tab
Allegra 180 mg Tab
fexofenadine 180 mg Tab
fexofenadine 180 mg Tab
fexofenadine 180 mg Tab
Uses:
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that provides relief of seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny or itchy nose, sneezing, itchy throat, and watery, itchy, or red eyes. It is also used for hives.
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 the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Take this medication by mouth usually once daily, with or without food; or take as directed by your doctor. Taking fexofenadine with apple, grapefruit, or orange juice may decrease the absorption of this drug. Try to avoid taking fexofenadine with these types of fruit juices. If possible, take this drug with water instead. Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium can decrease the absorption of this drug. Do not take antacids within 2 hours of taking this medication. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. Dosage is based on your medical condition (e.g., kidney disease) and response to treatment. Do not take this medication for several days before allergy testing since test results can be affected. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: antacids containing aluminum and magnesium, St. John's wort. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain additional antihistamines that could increase your risk for side effects. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusual drowsiness.
Precautions
Before taking fexofenadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease. Limit alcoholic beverages, as it may intensify drug side effects. (See also Side Effects.) Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
The manufacturer of U.S. products recommends storage at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). The manufacturer of Canadian products recommends storage at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Store away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
Stomach upset, menstrual cramps, back pain, cough, fever, stuffy nose, earache or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses and under normal circumstances. However, this drug may make you dizzy; therefore use caution engaging in activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
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