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Fexofenadine
What is it? Overview Usage Side Effects and Warnings
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Fexofenadine Overview

Written by FoundHealth.

(feks oh FEN a deen)

U.S. Brand Names

Allegra®; Allegra® ODT

Canadian Brand Names

Allegra®

Mexican Brand Names

Allegra

Pharmacologic Category

Histamine H1 Antagonist; Histamine H1 Antagonist, Second Generation

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to fexofenadine or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

How does it work?

• Fexofenadine blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.

How is it best taken?

• This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours before.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

Oral-disintegrating tablet:Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Do not push tablet through foil when opening. Use dry hands to remove from foil. Place on tongue and let dissolve. Water is not needed. Do not swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• Swallow 180 mg tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Avoid taking this medicine with fruit juice.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take more often than every 12 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 12:36:24.0

Modified: 2010-03-19 14:42:39.0

Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.

 
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