Generic Allegra

There are several possible side effects that can occur in people taking Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride); however, based on data from clinical studies involving over 4,500 adults and children, weight gain does not appear to be one of them.

In clinical studies, side effects are always documented and compared to a control group of people who are not taking the medicine. Side effects are also generally grouped into those that occur in more than 1 percent and those that occur in less than 1 percent (rare side effect) of people. During clinical studies for Allegra, weight gain was not detected as either a common or rare problem.

Generic Allegra is manufactured by a few companies and sold as Fexofenadine Hydrochloride tablets. They are available in the following strengths.

Fexofenadine Hydrochloride tablets 30 mg.
Fexofenadine Hydrochloride tablets 60 mg
Fexofenadine Hydrochloride tablets 180 mg.

At this time, generic Allegra oral suspension (liquid) and generic Allegra ODT (orally disintegrating tablets) are not available.

On Aug. 31, the FDA approved first-time generic formulations of 30, 60, and 180 mg fexofenadine HCl tablets (made by Barr Laboratories, Inc.; brand name Allegra, made by Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).

Fexofenadine tablets are indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children aged six years and older. Symptoms treated effectively in clinical studies included sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy nose/palate/throat, and itchy/watery/red eyes.

Fexofenadine is also indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children aged six years and older. In clinical studies, fexofenadine significantly reduced pruritus and number of wheals.

• Allegra Oral Suspension 30mg/5ml
• Allegra 30mg Tablets
• Allegra 60mg Tablets
• Allegra 180mg Tablets
• Allegra D 24 hour Tablets
• Allegra D 12 hour Tablets

Allegra is a histamine H1-receptor antagonist also known as fexofenadine hydrocloride. Other facts about Allegra include:

• Most younger children take their Allegra twice a day.
• Allegra can interact with erythromycin, ketoconazole, aluminum and magnesium containing antacids, such as Maalox, and certain fruit juices.

• Allegra should be taken with water and not fruit juice, such as grapefruit, orange, or apple juice.
• If Allegra doesn’t work for your child, alternative allergy medicines might include Claritin, Clarinex, Zyrtec, and/or Singulair. Steroid nasal sprays, such as Flonase, Nasonex, or Rhinocort Aqua, might also be prescribed, depending on your child’s age.

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Allegra.
Side effects of Allegra may include:

• Colds or flu, coughing, drowsiness, fatigue, fever, headache, indigestion, menstrual problems, nausea, pain including back or ear pain

Side effects of Allegra-D may include:

• Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, back pain, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, heart palpitations, indigestion, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, respiratory tract infection, throat irritation

Seldane, an antihistamine related to Allegra, has been implicated in dangerous interactions with the common antibiotic erythromycin, the antifungal medication ketoconazole (Nizoral), and several similar drugs. Allegra poses no such risks. It is also safe for people with liver disease.

ALLEGRA tablets are available in 30 mg, 60 mg, and 180 mg strengths. ALLEGRA tablets are coated with a peach colored film coating. Tablets have the following unique shape and identifiers: 30 mg tablets are round, bi-convex and have 03 on one side and a scripted “e” on the other; 60 mg tablets are oval, bi-convex and have 06 on one side and a scripted “e” on the other; and 180 mg tablets are oblong, bi-convex and have 018 on one side and a scripted “e” on the other.

ALLEGRA ODT is available as a 30 mg orally disintegrating tablet and is white, flat-faced, 1/2-inch round shaped with beveled edges and debossed with a scripted “e” on one side and “311AV” on the other side.

ALLEGRA oral suspension is available as 30 mg/ 5 mL (6 mg/mL).

Secondary to the pseudoephedrine component, fexofenadine HCl; pseudoephedrine HCl should be used with caution in patients with the following medical conditions:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes mellitus
• Ischemic heart disease
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Hyperthyroidism
• Prostatic hypertrophy
• Renal impairment (patients with decreased renal function should be given a lower initial dose (one tablet per day) because they have reduced elimination of fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine)