Get Informed: Allegra
Active Ingredient(s)
Fexofenadine
What does it do?
This product is commonly used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria (hives). It works by blocking the action of histamine, an important chemical released during allergic reactions.
- Last Text Update:
- 2009-Nov-21 1:57 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:52 PM
Other Names
- Allegra
- Fexofenadine
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 25 Jul 1996
- Est US Patients*
- 4,243,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Allegra or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Allegra Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Allegra interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Allegra used for?
iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 24,900 patients that use Allegra (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Allergies | 81% | 
|
| Nasal Congestion | 28% | 
|
| Asthma | 3% |
|
| Rash / Eczema | 2% |
|
| Other | 9% |
|
How well does Allegra work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 24,900 users taking Allegra (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 80%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Allegra outweigh the bad things.
- 3%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Allegra.
Common Side Effects of Allegra
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 24,900 users taking Allegra (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
16% of patients experience side-effects on Allegra
< 1% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Allegra
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Dryness
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Fatigue, Grogginess/Confusion, High Blood Pressure
Global Patient Feedback for Allegra (Fexofenadine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been taking this drug for years. Water is always the safes bet when taking drugs. I always take it with a full glass of water.
64 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-03 13:04:31
Question/Comment:
I must say this pill was my miracle drug. after many months of non-stop tests and medicines i didn't need. i finally had a dr put me on the allegra. overnight i felt so much better!
they had been treating me for asthma but i really only had severe allergies! i was on advair, flonase, singulair and sometimes prednisone. i gained 40 lbs from these stupid medicines and had a multitude of awful side effects.
its been 2 weeks now since being off the steriods and just on the allegra. i must say i'm very pleased! i always take it with food as i do have acid reflux and have had ulcers. the first night i took it with strawberry yogurt and had massive stomach pains. ever since then i just take it with cereal or bread! no real side effects just awesome relief!!! thanks so much!
30 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-20 11:44:03
Answer/Reply:
I used to take Zyrtex for my allergies but after the made it available over the counter the pill was not as good as before so my Dr. put me on allegra and I must say it work. Thank you Allegra I really can't go all day long with tissues and swollen eyes. It really word and I take it with toast in the morning.
73 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-25 22:42:05
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Allegra for years. When my doctor had to increase my dosage of Allegra, my blood pressure shot up. My allergies were so severe...I was on Allegra, Nasal Spray and I was using allergy drops for my eyes. I always ended up with sinus infections or upper respiratory infections from allergies...at one point he put me on steroids. I am now on Atenolol for high blood pressure.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-14 09:13:26
Question/Comment:
Ever since I started taking Fexofenadine 180mg, I have had trouble with my bowel movements. Is it possible that the medicine is causing this?
26 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-27 19:33:07
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
No iGuard members have reported trouble with their bowel movements while taking fexofenadine. According to the product labeling, stomach upset has been reported by some patients and 3% of patients report diarrhea. Since other things could be causing your symptoms, it is good idea to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss them, especially if your symptoms continue or worsen.
Posted: 2009-06-03 09:33:06
Answer/Reply:
My doctor told me that Allegra can cause diarrhea.
28 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-10 12:26:32
Answer/Reply:
Some Rx's do have some obvious bodily side effects. Like this one it does cause constipation in some people along with nausea if not taken properly with food/water.
31 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-08 20:26:59
Question/Comment:
I've been taking this for three years along with a generic form of the regular Sudafed. IPrior to that, I took Allegra-D for four years but new insurance won't cover it. The doctor said take the sudafed with regular Allegra. I also get allergy shots every 3 weeks for the past eight years as well as taking Nasonex on an "as-needed" basis and Zaditor for my eyes as needed. I am "allowed" to take the Allegra as needed also, but I find I do need it more than I"d like to admit. My other favorite was Zyrtec, but it made me a zombie. The new non-drowsy formula works really well, too, but again, our lovely insurance doesn't cover it. They're too busy making money for themselves to cover anything more than the basics.
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-27 11:06:08
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
30
Patient Comments about
Allegra