Allegra ODT (Oral)

Generic name:fexofenadine (oral route) [ fex-oh-FEN-a-deen ]
Drug class:Antihistamines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 4, 2021.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Allegra
• Allegra ODT

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet
• Suspension
• Tablet, Disintegrating

Therapeutic Class: Respiratory Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Antihistamine, Less-Sedating

Chemical Class: Butyrophenone

Uses for Allegra ODT

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine. It is used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and hives of the skin (chronic idiopathic urticaria) .

Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Also, in some people histamine can close up the bronchial tubes (air passages of the lungs) and make breathing difficult. Histamine can also cause some people to have hives, with severe itching of the skin .

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription .

Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years of age. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects .

Before using Allegra ODT

In 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 this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of fexofenadine in children below 6 months of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established .

Do not give any cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years of age. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects .

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of fexofenadine in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving fexofenadine .

Breastfeeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with 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. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed b...