IMPORTANT NOTE: The following
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 use of the drug
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
FEXOFENADINE-PSEUDOEPHEDRINE EXTENDED RELEASE -
ORAL (fex-oh-FEN-uh-deen WITH sue-doh-eff-ED-rin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Allegra D
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 USE: 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 perfom 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. |
