Allegra and its Uses
Allegra is an antihistamine.
Generic Allegra reduces allergy symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), and may reduced itching of the skin in those people with chronic itchy skin rashes and other allergic symptoms.
Allegra is called a non-sedating anti-histamine as it does not enter the brain in significant quantities and is therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness.
|| Top || Working Mechanism of Allegra
Histamine is a chemical produced by the body. It is stored in cells (mast cells) in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (an allergen e.g. flower pollen), the mast cells release their stores of histamine.
Histamine
may then bind to receptors (H-1 receptors) in many
areas of the body causing an increased blood flow to the area of
the allergy and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic
response. This stimulates the symptoms of an allergic reaction
such as inflammation of the skin, airways or tissues, rashes, itching
of the skin, eyes or nose, nasal congestion or narrowing of the
airways.
Generic Allegra acts by blocking the binding of histamine to receptors in the body. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells. By blocking the binding of histamine, the release of other chemicals and increased blood supply to the area is prevented or decreased. This results in prevention or relief of the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Histamine may be released from and act in a small (localized) area of the body e.g. the nose. Alternatively, histamine can result in a serious or complete body reaction e.g. anaphylactic reaction. Allegra, Fexofenadine (180 mg) is only useful for the prevention or relief of localized or less serious allergies such as an itchy rash (rather than very serious allergic reactions).
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Allegra Dose
Missed Dose
of Allegra
Take the missed dose
of Allegra as soon as you remember. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose
of Allegra and take only the next regularly scheduled
dose.
Do not take a double dose
of Allegra.
Excess Dose of Allegra
Allegra in excess dose does not show any symptoms.
Conditions for Storage of Allegra
Store Allegra at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Potencies of Allegra
Allegra Tablets : Allegra 120 mg & Allegra 180 mg
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Food and Drug Interactions with Allegra
- The blood levels of Allegra may be increased by:
- However, the increase in the blood levels of Allegra does not normally result in increased side effects.
- Antacids may decrease the absorption of Allegra from the gut.
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Contraindications with Allegra
Allegra is contraindicated in the following:
- Breastfeeding
- Children under 12 years of age
- Pregnancy
- Allergy to one or any of its ingredients
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Precautions with Allegra
Allegra should be used with caution in:
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Elderly people
|| Top || Adverse Effects with Allegra
The adverse effects associated with Allegra are:
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
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