Allegra

Special warnings about Allegra

Use Allegra-D with caution if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, increased pressure in the eyes, prostate problems, or hyperthyroidism. Stop using it and check with your doctor if it causes nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Allegra

Check with your doctor before combining Allegra with erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, PCE) or ketoconazole (Nizoral). These drugs may increase Allegra's effects.

Allow a little time between a dose of Allegra and antacids such as Maalox that contain aluminum and magnesium. This type of antacid can decrease Allegra's effects.

Allegra-D should never be taken within 2 weeks of using an MAO-inhibitor drug such as the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Also check with your doctor before combining it with the following:

Mecamylamine (Inversine)
Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Reserpine (Diupress, Hydropres)

You should also avoid Allegra-D if you have a pacemaker and take digoxin (Lanoxin). And you should not combine it with over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of this drug during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Allegra appears in breast milk. If the drug is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop nursing until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

ALLEGRA

Adults and Children 12 Years and Older

For hay fever, the usual dosage is 60 milligrams twice a day or 180 milligrams once a day. For hives, it's 60 milligrams twice a day. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may have you take only one 60-milligram dose daily.

Children 6 through 11 years old

For hay fever or hives, the usual dosage is 30 milligrams twice a day. Children with kidney problems may be prescribed only one 30-milligram dose each day.

ALLEGRA-D

Adults and Children 12 Years and Older