Fexofenadine, marketed as Allegra, is an antihistamine medication used for treating allergy symptoms. It is a successor and alternative of terfenadine, which was an antihistamine with serious contraindications.

Allegra is used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat and runny nose. It is also used to treat skin itching and other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. This medication is an antihistamine and it works by blocking histamine in the body. This relieves allergy symptoms. It works by countering the reactions, which your body experiences, when it is exposed to naturally occurring chemical histamines.

How to use it?

You can take this medication with or without food. Take it only with a full glass of water. Do not dirnk fruit juice along with your dose of Allegra. Studies have shown that some juices such as orange, grapefruit and apple juice decrease the effectiveness of Allegra. Take it only as prescribed and do not overdose in any case. If you miss a dose, start from the next dose. Do not try to make up for the missed dose.

When not to use it

You should not use this drug if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. You can contact your doctor so that the right dosage is prescribed to you. Allegra does not interact well with other medications and it is advised that you tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs and medications. Do not take this drug if you are pregnant or planning a baby. This medication might pass in to breast milk and it is not advisable to take it if you are breast-feeding. This medication should not be combined with other nutritional supplements and herbal medicines. Also, avoid it, if you are suffering from kidney problems. The risk of side effects of this drug increase if you are taking drugs, which contain erythromycin or ketoconazole. This is not a complete list of things you need to avoid when using Allegra and you should ask your doctor if this drug does not work well with other medications you are currently taking.

Precautions

Ensure that you always disclose all the medications you are taking to your doctor. This will help the doctor understand your health better and decide your current dose. It will also be beneficial in avoiding drug interactions and various other reactions. DO NOT take anti-acids such as Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid, Mylanta, or Rolaids as they decrease the strength of this medication. People suffering from nasal allergies should take Nasonex instead of Allegra.

It is not a therapeutic medication, but rather a treatment alternative that reduces the severity and symptoms of rhinitis and urticaria such as itchy eyes, fatigue, sleeplessness, runny nose and sneezing.