What are fexofenadine capsules or tablets?

FEXOFENADINE (Allegra®) is an antihistamine. It reduces allergy symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), and may reduce itching of the skin in those people with chronic itchy skin rashes.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to fexofenadine, terfenadine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take fexofenadine tablets by mouth, with a sip of water. Do not take this medicine with grapefruit, orange, or apple juice because they may change how well the medicine works. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take fexofenadine more often than directed. You may need to take it for several days as prescribed before your symptoms improve.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Fexofenadine is usually prescribed for children 6 years of age and older.

What if I miss a 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 or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with fexofenadine?

• antacids
• erythromycin
• grapefruit, apple, or orange juice
• ketoconazole
• rifampin
• St. John’s Wort

In addition, the following medicines can make you feel drowsy:

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies such as antihistamines
• medicines for mental depression (antidepressants)
• medicines for mental problems, anxieties and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain such as opiate analgesics (e.g. codeine)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking fexofenadine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• cough
• infection or fever

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness
• headache
• menstrual changes
• muscle pain
• stomach upset, nausea, vomiting
• tiredness or drowsiness

What should I watch for while taking fexofenadine?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 1 or 2 days.

Fexofenadine causes less drowsiness than most other antihistamines. Until you know if it makes you drowsy or dizzy, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.

Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.