(fex oh fen’ a deen) (soo doe e fed’ rin)
Why is this medication prescribed?
The combination of fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including runny nose; sneezing; stuffy nose; itchy throat; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. Fexofenadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Pseudoephedrine is in a class of medications called decongestants. It works by drying up the nasal passages.
How should this medicine be used?
The combination of fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine comes as an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day on an empty stomach. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fexofenadine (Allegra), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), or any other medications.
- do not take fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or have taken them within the past 14 days.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: asthma medications; diet pills; digoxin (Lanoxin); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); ketoconazole (Nizoral); medications for high blood pressure such as mecamylamine (Inversine), methyldopa (Aldomet), and reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil, Serpatabs); and over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), an enlarged prostate (prostatic hypertrophy), or difficulty urinating.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea, and cola) may increase the side effects of pseudoephedrine. Talk to your doctor about drinking these beverages while taking this medication.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- upset stomach
- stomach pain
- dry mouth
- throat irritation
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- nervousness
- dizziness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- weakness
- tremor
- seizure
- fainting
- difficulty breathing
- rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- difficulty urinating
Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- giddiness
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- sweating
- thirst
- rapid or pounding heartbeat
- difficulty urinating
- muscle weakness
- nervousness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist (hallucinating)
- seizures
- coma
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
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Last Revised - 07/01/2003