| THE PREPARATION DESCRIPTION IS NOT INTENDED FOR MEDICATION WITHOUT PARTICIPATION OF THE DOCTOR! | |
What is it used for?
Fexofenadine is indicated for adults and children 6 years or older to temporarily relieve symptoms caused by hay fever and allergies (runny nose, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, scratchy nose or throat).
Contraindications and cautions:
Some medical conditions may interact with Fexofenadine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney problems or trouble urinating
Side effects:
Antihistamines are typically well tolerated, and serious side effects are rare. The more common side effects are usually mild and may go away.
• If combined with a decongestant (Fexofenadine-D), it may cause insomnia or anxiety.
• Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, excessive sedation, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure in elderly individuals.
• Urine retention, dry mouth, headache or blurred vision may occur.
Interactions: Check with your doctor before combining Alfast with erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, PCE) or ketoconazole (Nizoral). These drugs may increase Alfast 's effects.
Allow a little time between a dose of Alfast and antacids such as Maalox that contain aluminum and magnesium. This type of antacid can decrease Alfast's effects.
Alfast should never be taken within 2 weeks of using an MAO-inhibitor drug such as the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Also check with your doctor before combining it with the following:
Mecamylamine (Inversine)
Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Reserpine (Diupress, Hydropres)
You should also avoid Alfast if you have a pacemaker and take digoxin (Lanoxin). And you should not combine it with over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants.