💊 Allegra 120mg Tablet – Fast and effective relief from allergies, sneezing, and nasal congestion!
Allegra 120mg Tablet
Product Introduction
Allegra 120mg Tablet is a widely prescribed antihistamine medication containing Fexofenadine hydrochloride as its active ingredient. This second-generation antihistamine is specifically designed to provide effective relief from various allergic conditions while minimizing the drowsiness commonly associated with older antihistamines.
Fexofenadine works by selectively blocking histamine H1 receptors, which are key mediators of allergic responses in the body. Unlike first-generation antihistamines, Allegra does not significantly cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in minimal sedative effects while effectively managing allergy symptoms.
Allegra 120mg is particularly valued for its ability to provide long-lasting relief from symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, throat irritation, and skin rashes associated with seasonal allergies, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), and chronic urticaria (hives). The once-daily dosing regimen enhances convenience and promotes better compliance with treatment.
This medication is available as an oral tablet that is easily absorbed by the body, with effects typically beginning within one hour of administration and lasting for approximately 24 hours. This extended duration of action allows for consistent symptom control throughout the day and night with a single dose.
Allegra has established a strong safety profile over decades of clinical use, making it suitable for most adults and adolescents suffering from allergic conditions. It's often preferred for patients who need to remain alert and functional during their daily activities, as it provides effective allergy relief without causing significant drowsiness or impairment of cognitive functions.
As with any medication, Allegra should be used as directed by healthcare professionals, who can provide guidance on appropriate dosing and duration of treatment based on individual patient needs and medical history.
Key Composition & Ingredients
- Active Ingredient: Fexofenadine hydrochloride 120mg
- Inactive Ingredients: May include microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, povidone, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, and pharmaceutical-grade colorants
Uses of Allegra Tablet
- Relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Management of perennial allergic rhinitis (year-round allergies)
- Treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives of unknown cause)
- Relief from allergy symptoms including:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy throat or palate
- Skin itching and hives
Benefits of Allegra Tablet
- Provides effective relief from allergy symptoms
- Minimal sedative effects compared to first-generation antihistamines
- Once-daily dosing improves convenience and compliance
- Rapid onset of action (typically within 1 hour)
- Long duration of effect (up to 24 hours)
- Less interference with daily activities requiring mental alertness
- Generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile
- Can be taken with or without food
- Suitable for long-term management of chronic allergic conditions
- Does not cause significant anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention)
How Allegra Tablet Works
Fexofenadine is a selective H1-receptor antagonist that works by:
- Competitively binding to histamine H1 receptors in various tissues, including the respiratory tract, blood vessels, and skin
- Preventing histamine (a chemical released during allergic reactions) from binding to these receptors
- Blocking the cascade of inflammatory responses triggered by histamine
- Inhibiting symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production
- Reducing blood vessel dilation and permeability that causes swelling and congestion
Unlike many other antihistamines, fexofenadine is minimally metabolized in the liver and does not significantly cross the blood-brain barrier, which explains its reduced sedative effects.
Dosage of Allegra Tablet
Daily Dose
- Adults and children 12 years and older: 120mg once daily or 60mg twice daily
- Children 6-11 years: 30mg twice daily (use pediatric formulation)
- Elderly patients: No dose adjustment necessary unless kidney function is impaired
- Patients with renal impairment: 60mg once daily may be recommended
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.
How to Use Allegra Tablet
- Take Allegra exactly as prescribed by your doctor
- It can be taken with or without food
- For optimal absorption, avoid taking with fruit juices (especially grapefruit, orange, or apple juice)
- Take with a full glass of water
- Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break
- Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels
- Allow at least 4 hours between antacid use and taking Allegra
Side Effects of Allegra Tablet
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Drowsiness (though less common than with other antihistamines)
- Nausea
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Dry mouth
Serious Side Effects (Rare)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Unusual weakness
- Severe dizziness
How to Manage Side Effects
- Stay hydrated to help with dry mouth
- Take the medication with food if stomach upset occurs
- Contact your doctor if side effects persist or worsen
- Seek immediate medical attention for any signs of allergic reaction
- Avoid driving or operating machinery if experiencing drowsiness
Safety Advice for Allegra Tablet
Alcohol
Use caution. Although Allegra causes less sedation than many antihistamines, alcohol may enhance any drowsiness that does occur.
Pregnancy
Category C - Use only if potential benefits outweigh risks. Consult your doctor before using during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Limited data available. Consult your doctor before using while breastfeeding.
Driving
Usually safe to drive as fexofenadine causes minimal sedation, but individual responses vary. Exercise caution until you know how the medication affects you.
Kidney
Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Dose adjustment may be necessary.
Liver
Generally safe for patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment typically required.
Children
Approved for children aged 12 and older at the 120mg strength. Lower doses recommended for children 6-11 years.
Older Patients
Generally well-tolerated. No dose adjustment needed unless kidney function is compromised.
Allergy
Do not take if you have known hypersensitivity to fexofenadine or any components of the formulation.
Warnings & Precautions of Allegra Tablet
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease or decreased kidney function
- Notify your doctor of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs
- Avoid taking with fruit juices as they may decrease absorption
- May not be suitable for patients with phenylketonuria (some formulations may contain phenylalanine)
- Use caution if you have a history of QT interval prolongation or arrhythmias
- Discontinue use and contact your doctor if you experience allergic reactions
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you
- May not be effective for non-histamine-mediated allergic reactions
Interactions with Allegra Tablet
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: May decrease absorption of fexofenadine; separate doses by at least 4 hours
- Erythromycin and ketoconazole: May increase fexofenadine levels
- Rifampin: May decrease fexofenadine effectiveness
Drug-Food Interactions
- Fruit juices (especially grapefruit, orange, and apple): May decrease absorption by up to 30-40%; avoid taking Allegra with these juices
Contraindications of Allegra Tablet
- Known hypersensitivity to fexofenadine or any components of the formulation
- Not recommended for children under 6 years of age (for the 120mg strength)
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
- Identify and avoid allergic triggers when possible
- Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons
- Use air conditioners and air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens
- Wash bedding regularly in hot water to reduce dust mites
- Shower and change clothes after outdoor activities during allergy season
- Consider using a saline nasal rinse to help clear allergens from nasal passages
- Stay hydrated to help thin mucus secretions
- Avoid fruit juices around the time of taking your medication
Why Doctors Recommend This Medicine
Doctors prescribe Allegra when:
- Patients need relief from moderate to severe allergy symptoms
- Patients experience sedation with other antihistamines
- Patients need to remain alert during daily activities
- Patients require long-lasting symptom control
- First-generation antihistamines are contraindicated or not well-tolerated
- Long-term management of chronic allergic conditions is needed
Substitutes & Alternative Medicines
Other second-generation antihistamines include:
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Desloratadine (Clarinex)
- Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
Alternative approaches include:
- Nasal corticosteroids for allergic rhinitis
- Nasal saline irrigation
- Decongestants (short-term use only)
- Leukotriene modifiers like montelukast
- Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots)
Storage Guidelines
- Store at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F)
- Keep away from direct light, heat, and moisture
- Store in the original container or packaging
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the package
- Do not store in the bathroom where humidity may be high
User Feedback & Patient Concerns
Common feedback from patients includes:
- Appreciation for non-sedating properties compared to older antihistamines
- Effective relief of seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms
- Questions about how quickly to expect relief
- Concerns about taking with other medications
- Interest in long-term safety for chronic use
- Reports of varying effectiveness for different allergy triggers
Quick Tips
- For best absorption, take on an empty stomach, but can be taken with food if needed
- Avoid fruit juices within 4 hours before or after taking Allegra
- Allow at least 4 hours between taking antacids and Allegra
- Consider taking at night if you experience any mild drowsiness
- Keep track of symptom improvement to discuss with your doctor
- Start taking before expected allergy season for preventive effect
- Continue taking regularly for maximum benefit rather than as needed
Fact Box
- Chemical Class: Piperidine derivative
- Habit Forming: No
- Therapeutic Class: Second-generation antihistamine
- Action Class: Selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Skin prick testing to identify specific allergens
- Blood tests for specific IgE antibodies
- Complete blood count to rule out other causes of symptoms
- Nasal smear for eosinophils (to confirm allergic rhinitis)
- Pulmonary function tests if asthma is suspected
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment regimen. Individual results may vary, and side effects not listed here may occur in some patients. Follow your doctor's recommendations regarding dosage and duration of treatment.
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