What is this medication for?
Fexofenadine belongs to the class of medications called second-generation antihistamines. These medications work by blocking the action of one of the body's natural chemicals known as histamine. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms caused by allergies. Fexofenadine is used for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergies including sneezing, itchy and runny nose, tearing and redness of the eyes, and itching and hives. It is also used to treat chronic idiopathic urticaria (a condition causing skin itching and hives).
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Allegra® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
For adults and children 12 years of age and older, the usual dose of fexofenadine is 60 mg taken by mouth twice daily or 180 mg taken by mouth once daily. For people with kidney disease, the usual starting dose is 60 mg taken by mouth once daily.
For children aged 6 to 11 years, the usual dose of fexofenadine is 30 mg taken by mouth twice daily. For children with kidney disease, the usual starting dose is 30 mg taken by mouth once daily.
This medication may be taken with or without food.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
For adults and children 12 years of age and older, the usual dose of fexofenadine is 60 mg taken by mouth twice daily or 180 mg taken by mouth once daily. For people with kidney disease, the usual starting dose is 60 mg taken by mouth once daily.
For children aged 6 to 11 years, the usual dose of fexofenadine is 30 mg taken by mouth twice daily. For children with kidney disease, the usual starting dose is 30 mg taken by mouth once daily.
This medication may be taken with or without food.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
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