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The following
information is a summary about Allegra-D. It is
not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
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 TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
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.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a
dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost
time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do
not take double doses.
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