Allegra (Fexofenadine Hcl) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Allegra

Hives »

What are hives (urticaria) and angioedema?

Hives (medically known as urticaria) appear on the skin as wheals which are red, very itchy, smoothly elevated areas of skin often with a blanched center. They appear in varying shapes and sizes, from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter anywhere on the body.

It is estimated that 20% of all people will develop urticaria at some point in their lives. Hives are more common in women than in men. One hallmark of hives is their tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours. Individual hives usually last no longer than 24 hours. An outbreak that looks impressive, even alarming, first thing in the morning can be completely gone by noon, only to be back in full force later in the day. Very few, if any other skin diseases occur and then resolve so rapidly. Therefore, even if you have no evidence of hives to show the doctor ...

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Allegra

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ALLEGRA®
(fexofenadine hydrochloride) Tablets, ODT (orally disintegrating tablets) and Oral Suspension

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Fexofenadine hydrochloride, the active ingredient of ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hcl) tablets, ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hcl) ODT and ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hcl) oral suspension, is a histamine H₁-receptor antagonist with the chemical name (±)-4-[1 nylmethyl)-1-piperidinyl]-butyl]- α, α-dimethylhydroxy-4-benzeneacetic acid hydrochloride. It has the following chemical structure

ALLEGRA® (fexofenadine hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

The molecular weight is 538.13 and the empirical formula is C₃₂H₃₉NO₄•HCl.

ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hydrochloride) is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in methanol and ethanol, slightly soluble in chloroform and water, and insoluble in hexane. ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hydrochloride) is a racemate and exists as a zwitterion in aqueous media at physiological pH.

ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hcl) is formulated as a tablet for oral administration. Each tablet contains 30, 60, or 180 mg ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hydrochloride) (depending on the dosage strength) and the following excipients: croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and pregelatinized starch. The aqueous tablet film coating is made from hypromellose, iron oxide blends, polyethylene glycol, povidone, silicone dioxide, and titanium dioxide.

ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hcl) ODT is formulated for disintegration in the mouth immediately following administration. Each orally disintegrating tablet contains 30 mg ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hydrochloride) and the following excipients: citric acid anhydrous, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, mannitol, methacrylate copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K-30, sodium bicarbonate, sodium starch glycolate, aspartame, natural and artificial orange flavor, artificial cream flavor, and alcohol anhydrous; the alcohol is predominantly removed during the manufacturing process.

ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hcl) oral suspension, a white uniform suspension, contains 6 mg ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hydrochloride) per mL and the following excipients: propylene glycol, edetate disodium, propylparaben, butylparaben, xanthan gum, poloxamer 407, titanium dioxide, sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, artificial raspberry cream flavor, sucrose, xylitol and purified water.

What are the possible side effects of fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra ODT)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking fexofenadine and call your doctor if you have fever, chills, body aches, cough, or other flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;
menstrual cramps;
drowsiness, tired feeling;
headache; or
muscle or back pain.

This is not a...

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What are the precautions when taking fexofenadine hcl (Allegra)?

Before taking fexofenadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.

Limit alcoholic beverages, as it may intensify drug side effects. (See also Side Effects.)

The rapidly dissolving tablet may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this drug safely.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 11/1/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.