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Allegra-D
Allegra-D is a combination medicine that is commonly prescribed to treat hay fever. The medicine, which is part antihistamine and part decongestant, has proven to be effective in relieving allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy nose or throat. Allegra-D comes in a tablet form and is available in several strengths, including 12-hour and 24-hour formulas.
Allegra-D® (fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine) is a nonprescription medication that is used to treat seasonal allergies (hay fever). Allegra-D was originally available only with a prescription; however, as of March 2011, the medication is available without a prescription.
Like all nonprescription medications that contain pseudoephedrine, Allegra-D can be purchased only "behind the counter." This means that it can be purchased only from pharmacies, and it is stored in the actual pharmacy, not out with other nonprescription products. You must present valid identification, and your purchase will be logged in a special logbook. There is a limit to how much pseudoephedrine (in any product) you can purchase per day and per month.
The medication is manufactured by sanofi-aventis Pharmaceuticals.
(Click Allegra-D Uses for more information on its uses.)
When you come in contact with something you're allergic to, a chain reaction begins inside your body. During this chain reaction, special cells release powerful chemicals. Some of these chemicals can trigger swelling of the nasal passages, leading to nasal congestion (a "stuffy nose"). Other chemicals, such as histamine, can cause sneezing, itching, and irritation.
Allegra-D is a combination medication consisting of fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine. Fexofenadine (Allegra®) is part of a class of drugs called antihistamines. As the name implies, Allegra blocks the effects of histamine. This leads to the relief of allergy symptoms -- except for nasal congestion. Pseudoephedrine (the most common brand name being Sudafed®) is a decongestant. It works by decreasing the swelling in the nasal passages, which improves the nasal congestion.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD