Generic Allegra - fexofenadine - is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 years of age and older. The medication is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including runny nose; sneezing; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. Fexofenadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Fexofenadine may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines. Fexofenadine was approved by the FDA in July, 1995.

Fexofenadine also is indicated for treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria or hives, including itching and rash. Allegra significantly reduces pruritus and the number of wheals.


 

FAQ

What is Allegra
Fexofenadine is an oral, "second generation" antihistamine that is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergy that are due to histamine. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, swelling of the lining of the nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and then attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine. The attachment of the histamine to the receptors causes the cell to be "activated," releasing other chemicals that produce the effects that we associate with allergy, e.g., sneezing. Fexofenadine blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of H1 receptor-containing cells by histamine. Unlike the first generation antihistamines, fexofenadine and other second-generation antihistamines do not readily enter the brain from the blood, and, therefore, they cause less drowsiness.

How does it work?
Allegra is an antihistamine. Histamine is a chemical in your body that causes allergy symptoms. The drug blocks the effect of histamine and relieves allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

How does Allegra-D hour work?
Allegra-D 12 Hour combines a powerful antihistamine with a nasal decongestant. So, the next time you need relief from seasonal allergy symptoms including nasal congestion, reach for Allegra-D 12 Hour extended release tablets.

Should I take the med only when my seasonal allergy symptoms worsen?
No. It's important to take fexofenadine regularly, as your doctor prescribes - even when you start to feel better. Waiting too long between doses gives your symptoms a chance to worsen.

How long does it take to work?
Relief of allergy symptoms may begin at 60 minutes.

How long does relief from Allegra 180 mg last?
Just one fexofenadine 180 mg tablet lasts a full 24 hours. That's up to four times longer than one dose of most over-the-counter antihistamines.*

Can children take Allegra?
Children ages 6-11 can take 30 mg twice daily.

*Based on label directions


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Side effects with fexofenadine 180 mg for seasonal allergies are low and may include headache, cold, or backache.
Side effects with fexofenadine 60 mg for seasonal allergies are low; less than 3% of people experience cold or flu, nausea, menstrual pain, or drowsiness.
Side effects with fexofenadine 60 mg for hives are low and may include backache, sinusitis, dizziness, or drowsiness.
Side effects with fexofenadine 30 mg are low and may include headache, cold, coughing, or accidental injury.
Side effects with Allegra-D 12 Hour and Allegra-D 24 Hour were similar to Allegra 60 mg alone (headache, insomnia or nausea) and fexofenadine 180 mg alone (headache, cold or backache) respectively.