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.

 

What Is Allegra-D?

Allegra-D® (fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine) is a prescription medication that is used to treat seasonal allergies (hay fever).
 
Allegra-D is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals.
 
(Click Allegra-D Uses for more information on its uses.)
 

How Does Allegra-D Work?

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.
 

Allegra-D Effects

Prior to the Allegra-D's approval in the United States, one clinical study was conducted on 651 adults and adolescents. In this study, people taking Allegra-D had improved allergy relief compared to the group of people not taking the medicine. This improvement was measured based on a symptom score that looked at changes in the following allergy symptoms:
 
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy nose and/or throat
  • Itchy, watery, and/or red eyes
  • Nasal congestion.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;