Introduction
Allegra (fexofenadine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and itching of the nose and throat. It is commonly used for seasonal allergies such as hay fever, allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, urticaria (hives), and pruritus.
Allegra works by blocking histamine from binding to receptors in the body and prevents histamine from causing allergy symptoms. The active ingredient in Allegra is fexofenadine hydrochloride which is an orally active H1-receptor antagonist designed to block the body’s receptor strong enough that it can reduce inflammation and allergies without having major central nervous system effects. Fexofenadine has been around since 1993 when the FDA first approved it for relieving seasonal hay fever symptoms.
Allegra is available in tablet form or orally disintegrating tablets but should not be taken with any other medications containing fexofenadine, juice drinks or other fruit juices; antacids; antifungals; calcium channel blockers; medications like cyclosporine; insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth; sedatives or tranquilizers; sleeping pills; water pills or other products that contain magnesium aluminum silicate.
What is Allegra?
Allegra is an antihistamine commonly used to treat allergies. Its active ingredient is fexofenadine, an antihistamine with a selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist action. This means that it blocks the receptors that cause undesirable symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. It helps relieve these symptoms by preventing the action of histamine in the body, which is a key molecule involved in allergic reactions.
Fexofenadine does not cross the blood-brain barrier and therefore does not cause drowsiness like some other antihistamines.
Active Ingredient in Allegra
Allegra is a popular over-the-counter medication used to treat allergies and hay fever. The active ingredient in Allegra is fexofenadine, a type of antihistamine that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
In this section, we will discuss the active ingredient in Allegra, its effects, and possible side effects:
Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine used to reduce symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It is the active ingredient in Allegra and many generic forms of fexofenadine.
Fexofenadine works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its effects are usually noticeable within 1 hour after taking it. Its effects may last up to 24 hours. It can be taken with or without food but should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
Common side effects of fexofenadine may include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling sleepy
- Fatigue/weakness
Other more serious side effects are also possible and should be reported to your doctor or healthcare provider immediately if experienced including:
- Sore throat, fever, chills or rash
- Difficulty breathing
- Agitation
- Changes in heartbeat
- Muscle weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Convulsions or seizures
- Anxiety or confusion
Speak with your doctor before taking any medication that contains this active ingredient as interactions with medications have been noted.
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is an active ingredient found in many of the over-the-counter allergy medications known as decongestants. It is often a main component of the drug, Allegra, which is used to treat symptoms associated with allergies, seasonal allergies and hay fever.
Pseudoephedrine helps reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors located in the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. This action minimizes nasal airway resistance and reduces nasal congestion. In addition, pseudoephedrine stimulates beta-2 receptors in the pulmonary system, making breathing much easier for individuals with breathing difficulties caused by such conditions as asthma and bronchitis.
Pseudoephedrine is also a stimulant drug used to treat insomnia and attention deficit disorder (ADD). It works by increasing heart rate and metabolism, which makes users more alert and helps them stay awake for longer periods of time. Side effects may include increased heart rate and blood pressure, dry mouth, nervousness or irritability.
How Does Allegra Work?
Allegra (fexofenadine) is an antihistamine drug used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. It is also used to treat hives and skin itching. Allegra works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
The most active ingredient found in the Allegra family of products, including Allegra tablets, oral suspension, and syrup is fexofenadine hydrochloride (HCl). Fexofenadine belongs to a family of medications called antihistamines. Antihistamines work by preventing the release of histamine from specialized cells (mast cells). Histamine is an important mediator of allergic responses and is responsible for some of the signs and symptoms associated with allergies such as redness, itching and sneezing. By preventing the action on histamine in our bodies, Allegra can help alleviate those uncomfortable allergy symptoms!
Side Effects
Fexofenadine hydrochloride, the active ingredient in the prescription drug Allegra, is an antihistamine that has been used to provide relief from allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.
Fexofenadine hydrochloride may cause a number of side effects, including dry mouth and throat, dizziness and headache. Drowsiness is also a common side effect of fexofenadine hydrochloride, so patients should not take the drug if they are going to be driving or operating heavy machinery.
Other less common side effects may include nausea, fever and irregular heartbeat; if these occur then people should consult a physician immediately.
Conclusion
The active ingredient in Allegra is fexofenadine, an antihistamine that helps reduce symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rash and itchiness. Fexofenadine is also used to treat chronic hives and is available both over the counter as well as in prescription strength formulas.
When using Allegra, it is important to follow the directions on the package exactly so that you receive the best results from the medication. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns about your Allegra treatment you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.