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Allegra is an antihistamine, used to provide relief from seasonal allergy symptoms. Unlike many other allergy medicines, it does not have a side effect of drowsiness. It is offered in several variations: Allegra 180 mg (which offers 24-hour relief from symptoms), Allegra 60 mg (to be taken twice daily), and Allegra 30 mg (for kids aged 6-11). Another variation is Allegra-D, which includes pseudoephedrine.

Allegra 180 mg tablets are to be taken by mouth once daily. Allegra 60 mg tablets are to be taken by mouth twice daily. Take on an empty stomach (at least 1 or 2 hours after eating). Swallow whole.

Store at room temp., avoiding sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Generally, a patient who missed a dose should take it as soon as possible. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the patient should skip the missed dose and take only the one regularly scheduled. Avoid taking a double dose.

Side effects with Allegra 180 mg for seasonal allergies are low and may include headache, cold, or backache. Side effects with Allegra 60 mg for seasonal allergies are low; less than 3% of people experience cold or flu, nausea, menstrual pain, or drowsiness. The patient should contact a physicain immediately if experiencing unusually fast/irregular heartbeat, uncontrolled shaking or tremor, or any serious but unlikely side effects including seizures, chest pain, mental or mood changes.

Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others, can decrease the effect of Allegra. Patients should avoid using Allegra closely before or after a dose of one of these antacids.

Do not increase your dose or take more than prescribed without consulting a physicain.

The sanofi-aventis Group is the world’s 3rd largest pharmaceutical company, and the largest one in Europe. Its branch dealing with prescription drugs in the United States is called Aventis Pharmaceuticals, and focuses its activities on important therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiology/thrombosis, respiratory/allergy, diabetes, arthritis/osteoporosis, and the central nervous system. Aventis Pharmaceuticals headquarters are located in Bridgewater, NJ.