Allegra: Important Info On Our Go To Allergy Medication

Fexofenadine, sold under the brand name allegra 120 dosage is a brand name used for selling the pharmaceutical drug, Fexofenadine- it is an antihistamine which is used to treat allergy symptoms.

Here’s everything you need to know about Allegraa:

1)  Antihistamine functions

Typically, when your body cells (mast cells) respond to an allergen they release a chemical known as histamine.

As a result of this release, symptoms of an allergic reaction are formed. They include:

1. Swelling of mucous secreting membranes.

2. Sneezing

3. Itching

However, fexofenadine or Allegra prevents the release of histamine by binding to the histamine receptors and thus, preventing the allergic reaction to take place. As a result, the symptoms of the allergy will reduce.

2)   Pros

They can be used to treat various types of allergic reactions and symptoms. They include: (allegra uses)

1. Hay fever

2. Respiratory Allergy

3. Sneezing

4. Watery eyes

5. Runny nose

6. Hives- red, itchy, streaks, etc

7. Conjunctivitis

8. Insect bites

It is also very safe for anyone who is older than 6 months old.

3)   Cons: Side effects

Side effects include:

1. Headache

2. Back pain

3. Vomiting

4. Nausea

5. Tiredness

6. Drowsiness or sleepiness

7. Kidney problems (rare)

Older people who suffer from the following diseases will significantly show more side effects. They include:

1. Liver problems

2. Renal problems

3. Heart disorders

4. Diabetes

5. Neurological disorder like seizures

4)   Consumption Tips

1. Oral allegra 120 dosage or tablets can be taken with or without food. However, disintegrating fexofenadine should be taken on an empty stomach or 1-2 hours after a meal.

2. Shake syrup well before measuring the dose.

3. Do not consume Allegra with fruit or juices such as apple, orange, or grapefruit, as this may affect absorption. Don’t drink alcohol.

4. It is always safer and more advisable to take an allergy test before consumption. It could range anywhere from Rs. 1000-30,000.

5. If symptoms get extreme and cause difficulty in speaking or swallowing, shortness of breath, or excessive swelling- consult a doctor immediately.

6. Allegra should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

7. There are different dosages of the drug and one must consult a doctor on the amount of dosage required. Example: allegra 120 dosage and Allegra 180.

5)  Interactions with other drugs

Consumptions of other medicines along with Allegra will only affect the effectiveness of the drug. It may:

1. Lower its effect

2. Affect histamine function

3. Increase side effects

Common medications that  interact with allegra include:

1. antacids containing aluminum or magnesium

2. anticholinesterase inhibitors

3. anticholinergics such as benztropine

4. azelastine

5. betahistine

6. botulinum toxin

7. buprenorphine

8. chlormethiazole

9. itraconazole or ketoconazole

10. erythromycin

11. minocycline

12. Grapefruit juice

13. opioids, such as hydrocodone

14. prokinetic agents such as metoclopramide

15. rifampin

Note: This is why fruits are not to be consumed with Allegra as they contain such chemicals.