Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine



Allegra-DŽ 12 Hour; Allegra-DŽ 24 Hour







Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine

(feks oh FEN a deen & soo doe e FED rin)

U.S. Brand Names
Allegra-DŽ 12 Hour; Allegra-DŽ 24 Hour
Canadian Brand Names
Allegra-DŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Antihistamine/Decongestant Combination
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to fexofenadine, pseudoephedrine, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve allergy symptoms.
  • This medicine is used to treat hives.
How does it work?
  • Fexofenadine blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
  • Pseudoephedrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours before.
  • Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
  • Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Avoid taking this medicine with fruit juice.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 12 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take antacids with this medicine.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
  • Nervous and excitable.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Inability to sleep.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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