Fexofenadine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Allegra
Before Using This MedicineIn deciding to use a medicine,
the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will
do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For fexofenadine, the
following should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to fexofenadine. Also tell your health care professional
if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,
or dyes.
Pregnancy - In animal studies, this medicine did not cause birth
defects but did cause a decrease in weight of the infant. Discuss with your
doctor whether or not you should continue to use this medicine if you become
pregnant.
Breast-feeding - It is not known whether fexofenadine passes into
breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts,
many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking
this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children - This medicine has been tested in children 6 years
of age and older and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause different
side effects or problems than it does in adults. There is no specific information
comparing use of fexofenadine in children up to 6 years of age.
Older adults - Fexofenadine has been tested in patients 65 years
of age and older and has not been shown to cause different side effects or
problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care
professional if you are taking or using any other prescription or nonprescription
(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine, especially antacids that contain aluminum
and magnesium hydroxide (e.g., Maalox, Mylanta).
Other medical problems - The presence of other medical
problems may affect the use of fexofenadine. Make sure you tell your doctor
if you have any other medical problems, especially:
-
Kidney disease - Effects of fexofenadine may be increased because
of slower removal from the body
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