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-D 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 Allegra-D whole. Do not crush
or chew the tablet, and do not take more than prescribed. Do not
take Allegra-D 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. 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.
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 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.
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.
