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IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
FEXOFENADINE-PSEUDOEPHEDRINE
EXTENDED RELEASE - ORAL (fex-oh-FEN-uh-deen WITH sue-doh-eff-ED-rin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Allegra D
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 USE: 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 perform 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.
OVERDOSE: If overdose
is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include irregular or unusually slow or fast heartbeat,
unusual nervousness or excitement, rapid breathing,
confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.
NOTES: Do not share
this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you
miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it
is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
"double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at
room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25
degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture.
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