Allegra D
Generic Name: Fexofenadine HCl and Pseudoephedrine HCl
Brand name: Allegra D
Indications
Allegra D is indicated for the relief of allergic symptoms that include sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy nose/palate/ and/or throat, itchy/watery/red eyes, and nasal congestion.
Dosage and Administration
Allegra D is available in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles of 100. It is a two-layer tablet, one white layer and one tan layer with a clear film coating on the tablet. The tablets contain 60 mg fexofenadine hydrochloride for immediate release and 120 mg pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for extended release.
Normal Dosage: recommended is one tablet twice daily administered on an empty stomach with water for adults and children 12 years of age and older. Administration of Allegra D with food should be avoided.
Overdose?
Some of the symptoms of overdosage are dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, palpitation, muscular weakness and anxiety.
Drug Description
Fexofenadine hydrochloride, one of the active ingredients of Allegra D, is a histamine H1-receptor antagonist with the chemical name (±)-4-[1-hydroxy-4-[4- (hydroxydiphenylmethyl)-1-piperidinyl]-butyl]-α, α-dimethyl benzeneacetic acid hydrochloride and the following chemical structure:
The molecular weight is 538.13 and the empirical formula is C32H39NO4·HCl. Fexofenadine hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in methanol and ethanol, slightly soluble in chloroform and water, and insoluble in hexane. Fexofenadine hydrochloride is a racemate and exists as a zwitterion in aqueous media at physiological pH.
Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, the other active ingredient of ALLEGRA-D 12 HOUR, is an adrenergic (vasoconstrictor) agent with the chemical name [S-(R*,R*)]-α-[1- (methylamino)ethyl]-benzenemethanol hydrochloride and the following chemical structure:
The molecular weight is 201.70. The molecular formula is C10H15NO•HCl. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride occurs as fine, white to off-white crystals or powder, having a faint characteristic odor. It is very soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol, and sparingly soluble in chloroform.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects commonly noticed are headache, Insomnia, Nausea, dry mouth, throat irritation, Back pain, nervousness, palpitation, Abdominal pain etc.
Precautions
- Patients with decreased renal function should be given a lower initial dose of Allegra D.
- Allegra D should be used during pregnancy only if there is utmost need to take the medicine.
- Caution should be exercised when Allegra D is administered to nursing women.
- Allegra D is not recommended for pediatric patients under 12 years of age.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this drug.Alcohol may intensify the drug side effects.
Drug Interactions
- Fruit juices such as grapefruit, orange and apple may reduce the bioavailability and exposure of fexofenadine. Therefore, to maximize the effects of fexofenadine, it is recommended that ALLEGRA-D 12 HOUR should be taken with water.
- Do not take this drug close to a dose of an antacid that contains aluminium or magnesium such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia and so on. These antacids may reduce the effectiveness of fexofenadine.
