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Antihistamine and Nasal Decongestant

Generic name: fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine [FEX-oh-FEN-a-deen-and-SOO-doe-ee-FED-rin]
Brand Names: Allegra-D 12 Hour, Allegra-D 24 Hour Allergy and Congestion Relief, Antihistamine Nasal Decongestant Fexofenadine HCl-Pseudoephedrine 12 Hour
Classification of drugs: upper respiratory combinations

What is Antihistamine and Nasal Decongestant?

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that decreases the effects of the natural chemical histamine within the body. Histamine is known to cause nose sneezing, itching, watery eyes, as well as a running nose.Pseudoephedrine can be described as a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels that line the nasal passages. The blood vessels are dilapidated, which can cause the nasal passages to become congested (stuffy nostrils).Antihistamine, also known as Nasal Decongestant, is an antihistamine and nasal decongestant combination medication for treating sneezing, nasal congestion, eyes that are itchy or watery and itching, hives eruptions, itching, and other signs of allergy, as well as an illness known as the general cold.Antihistamines and nasal decongestants could be used to treat other conditions that are not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Antihistamine and Nasal Decongestant

Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat.

Antihistamines and nasal decongestants could result in serious adverse effects. Take a break from antihistamines as well as nasal decongestants. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if symptoms such as:

  • Heartbeats that pound or flutter in your chest
  • Severe dizziness, anxiety, restlessness, tremors, or nervousness.

Common adverse consequences associated with antihistamines and nasal decongestants could be:

  • Mild dizziness;
  • Dry mouth the nose, mouth, or throat;
  • Nausea;
  • Sleep problems (insomnia).

These side effects may not be all-inclusive and other may occur as well.Contact your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not take antihistamine or nasal decongestant if you have previously used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days, including linezolid and isocarboxazid, as well as the methylene blue injection or phenelzine rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Before you take this drug

Do not take antihistamines or nasal decongestants if you've taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. A risky drug interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid linezolid Methylene blue injection rasagiline and phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine.

Consult a physician or pharmacist about whether it is safe for you to be taking this drug if you suffer from:

  • Kidney disease;
  • Glaucoma;
  • Heart disease (also known as hypertension)
  • Diabetes;
  • Thyroid disorder;
  • Bladder obstruction, or other urinary issues.

It isn't known if antihistamines or nasal decongestants could cause harm to an unborn baby. Before using any medication during gestation, consult your healthcare provider first.Pseudoephedrine may be found in breast milk and cause adverse reactions in nursing babies. Talk to your doctor prior to taking this medication if you are breastfeeding.Avoid giving this medication to a child unless you have medical guidance.

How to take Antihistamine and Nasal Decongestant?

Take exactly as indicated on the label or as recommended by your physician. Don't use in greater than smaller amounts or for a longer period than is prescribed. The cold as well as allergy medicine is usually used only for a short period of time until the symptoms go away.Don't give the medicine to children younger than two years old. Always consult with a doctor prior to giving a cold or cough medicine to children. Death can occur due to the misuse of cough and cold medications in children who are very young.Do not chew, crush or break an extended-release tablet.Take it in whole.Consume antihistamine or nasal decongestant when you are on a full stomach, at a minimum of 1 hour prior to or 2 hours after eating.Consume antihistamines as well as nasal decongestants by drinking water. Avoid drinking fruit juice, especially apple, orange, and grapefruit juices. The juice of fruit can cause problems with the body's ability to take in fexofenadine.Contact your physician if your symptoms don't improve after seven weeks of therapy or if you are suffering from a fever and symptoms such as a headache, cough, or a skin rash.If you are in need of an operation or other medical examinations, inform your doctor or surgeon prior to the time of your appointment when you've taken cold or allergy medication within the last couple of days.Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Because allergy or cold medication is administered in a prescribed manner, you might not be on a regular dosing schedule. If you take the medication on a regular basis, you should take the missed dose as quickly as you can recall. Don't miss your missed dosage if it's nearing the time for the next dose. Do not take extra medication in an attempt to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Do not use antacids for 15 minutes prior to or following the use of antihistamines or nasal decongestants. Antacids may make it more difficult for your body to absorb this medication.Talk to your doctor or pharmacist prior to using any other allergy or cold medication. A number of combination medicines contain pseudoephedrine. When you combine certain medications, it could cause you to take excessive amounts of antihistamine or nasal decongestant.Drinking alcohol can trigger certain adverse effects associated with this drug.

Interaction with other drug

Combining this medication with other medications that make you sleepy or slow your breathing could increase the severity of these effects. Consult your physician before using antihistamines as well as nasal decongestants along with an anti-sleep pill, narcotic pain medication, or muscle relaxant medicines to treat anxiety, depression, or seizures.Other medications can interact with pseudoephedrine or fexofenadine, such as prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Be sure to inform your health professionals about any medications you take currently and all medicines you stop or start using.