How To Use Fexofenadine Hcl
If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed, usually 2 times daily .
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose and measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Take the tablet/capsule or liquid form of this medication with or without food. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, take it on an empty stomach. Allow the rapidly-dissolving tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until right before using.
If you need a liquid to take this medication , then take this medication with water. Do not take with fruit juices since they may decrease the absorption of this drug.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.
Do not take antacids containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of taking this medication. These antacids can decrease the absorption of fexofenadine.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
How Should I Take Claritin
Use Claritin exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold or allergy medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Do not give Claritin to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Claritin is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Do not crush, chew, or break the regular tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
A child’s dose is based on age and some forms of loratadine are not for use in children younger than 6 years old. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with this medicine.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
The Claritin chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
To take the orally disintegrating tablet :
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Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel back the foil. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
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Use dry hands to remove the tablet and place it in your mouth.
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Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Where Should I Keep My Medication
Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C . Keep container closed tightly. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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How Are Antihistamines Classified
Antihistamines are divided into two major subtypes. The first subtype is called H-1 receptor antagonists or H-1 blockers. This subtype of antihistamines is used to treat allergy symptoms. The second subtype is called H-2 receptor antagonists or H-2 blockers. They are used to treat gastrointestinal conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease , peptic ulcers, gastritis, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. The naming structure tells doctors and scientists the cell type the location of the histamine receptor that the antihistamine medication blocks.
The H-1 blocker subtype is further broken down into two groups first-generation antihistamines and second-generation antihistamines.
Why Trust Verywell Family
As a seasoned health writer, Isis Briones knows the importance of finding products that work best for you and your conditions. You can count on her to always provide a variety of recommendations from licensed medical professionals because she has tested and reviewed tons of products over the years to know everyone is different.
Additional reporting by Katrina Cossey
Katrina Cossey has been a news and feature writer for more than six years with experience at KFOR-TV and BabyGaga.com. She has covered topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content.
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How To Use Cetirizine Hcl
If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed, usually once daily.
If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.
Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve, if your hives do not improve after 3 days of treatment, or if your hives last more than 6 weeks. Get medical help right away if your condition worsens or if you think you have a serious medical problem .
How To Treat An Allergy Cough
Oral antihistamines are the first-line treatment for allergy symptoms, blocking the underlying mechanisms that can lead to an allergy cough.
Second-generation antihistamines are the preferred option because they are less likely to cause drowsiness. With that said, first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl may be a good option before bedtime if allergy symptoms are interfering with sleep.
To treat the cough itself, you can consider the following options:
- Take an over-the-counter expectorant like Mucinex to loosen phlegm.
- Use an over-the-counter decongestant Sudafed to open nasal passages.
- Use a nasal steroid spray like Nasacort to relieve inflammation and ease breathing,
- Suck on a cough lozenge, especially ones containing eucalyptus.
- Use a saline nasal spray or irrigation, like a neti pot, to clear nasal passages.
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer to help moisturize the air.
- Inhale steam either with a commercial inhaler or a heated pot of water to loosen mucus and ease throat irritation.
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What Should I Avoid
Avoid using antacids within 15 minutes before or after taking a medication that contains Allegra. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb this medication.
Fruit juices and certain antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb fexofenadine. Do not take Allegra with fruit juice .
Avoid taking any other cold or allergy medicines unless your doctor has told you to.
What Form Does This Medication Come In
Tablets
5 mgEach white , film-coated, scored, ovoid tablet contains 5 mg of cetirizine HCl. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, povidone, and titanium dioxide.
10 mgEach white , film-coated, scored, ovoid tablet contains 10 mg of cetirizine HCl. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, povidone, and titanium dioxide.
20 mgEach white , film-coated, scored, ovoid tablet contains 20 mg of cetirizine HCl. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, povidone, and titanium dioxide.
Capsules
Each clear, oval, liquid-filled, soft gelatin capsule contains 10 mg of cetirizine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, lecithin, mannitol, medium chain triglycerides, pharmaceutical ink, polyethylene glycol 400, purified water, sodium hydroxide, sorbitan, and sorbitol.
Syrup
Each 5 mL of colourless, banana-grape flavoured preparation contains 5 mg of cetirizine HCl. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acetic acid, artificial grape flavour, artificial banana flavour, glycerin, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium acetate, and sugar syrup .
Reactine Fast Melt Junior
Reactine Rapid Dissolve
Reactine Allergy
Syrup
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Which Type Is Best
There’s not much evidence to suggest any particular antihistamine is better than any other at relieving allergy symptoms.
Some people find certain types work well for them and others do not. You may need to try several types to find one that works for you.
Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally the best option, as they’re less likely to make you feel sleepy. But types that make you feel sleepy may be better if your symptoms stop you sleeping.
Ask a pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure which medicine to try as not all antihistamines are suitable for everyone.
Do Allergy Medicines Interact With My Blood Pressure Medication
Most antihistamines are generally safe to take with your blood pressure medication. However, keep in mind the following drug interactions if you are taking medication for your blood pressure:
- fexofenadine : Carvedilol may increase the effects of fexofenadine. Use fexofenadine cautiously if you are taking carvedilol.
- cetirizine and levocetirizine : You may experience increased drowsiness if you take cetirizine or levocetirizine in combination with methyldopa .
- diphenhydramine : Any product containing diphenhydramine may counteract the effects of many of your blood pressure medications. Be sure to talk with your pharmacist before taking any diphenhydramine products.
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How Should I Use This Medication
Take this medication by mouth. Chew it completely before swallowing. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What Other Drugs Will Affect Allergy Relief
Taking Allergy Relief with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking this medicine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Allergy Relief if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
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A Doctors Guide To Choosing Allergy Medicine Wisely
Allergies can pop up throughout the year. You may be tempted to grab the closest antihistamine medicine to fend off your itchy eyes, sneezing, or a runny nose. Before you do, make sure the medicine wont do more harm than good.
There are different types of antihistamines, and some are better than others depending on your age, health, and other medications you take.
Older formulas work, but beware of side effects and bad interactions
Doctors often refer to the first type of antihistamines that were on the market as first-generation. They are great at treating allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, in some people, they can result in side effects like anxiety, confusion, feeling sleepy, blurred vision, reduced mental alertness, urinary retention and constipation. These effects are more common for anyone taking certain antidepressant medications.
Ingredients of first-generation antihistamines include brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Ask a pharmacist to help you compare products and read the labels if the print is too small. Some of the brand names for these products include Dimetapp Cold & Allergy, Chlor-Trimeton, Tavist, Benadryl, Vicks NyQuil and Tylenol Cold and Cough Nighttime.
The labels should also include warnings that people with certain medical conditions should not take first-generation antihistamines. Ask your doctor before use if you have:
- glaucoma
- high blood pressure
Another option nasal steroid sprays
Who Can Take Antihistamines
Most people can safely take antihistamines.
But speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have an underlying health condition, such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease or epilepsy
Some antihistamines may not be suitable in these cases. A pharmacist or doctor can recommend one that’s best for you.
Loratadine is usually recommended if you need to take an antihistamine in pregnancy. Loratadine or cetirizine are usually OK to take while breastfeeding.
Always check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it’s safe for you before taking it or giving it to your child.
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Is A Drug Allergy Always Dangerous
Not always. The symptoms of a drug allergy may be so mild that you hardly notice them. You might experience nothing more than a slight rash.
A severe drug allergy, however, can be life-threatening. It could cause anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life-threatening, whole-body reaction to a drug or other allergen. An anaphylactic reaction could occur minutes after you take the drug. In some cases, it could happen within 12 hours of taking the drug. Symptoms can include:
- irregular heartbeat
- swelling
- unconsciousness
Anaphylaxis can be fatal if its not treated right away. If you have any of the symptoms after taking a drug, have someone call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
What Is This Medication
DIPHENHYDRAMINE treats the symptoms of allergies and allergic reactions. It may also be used to prevent and treat motion sickness or the symptoms of Parkinson disease. It works by blocking histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. It belongs to a group of medications called antihistamines.
This medicine may be used for other purposes ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME: Benadryl Allergy, Benadryl Children’s Allergy, DiphenMax, Dytan, Uni-Tann
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What Should I Watch For While Using This Medication
Visit your care team for regular check ups. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
How Should I Take Allegra 24 Hour Allergy
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take the regular tablet with a full glass of water. Do not use any other type of liquid.
Shake the oral suspension well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To take Allegra 24 Hour Allergy orally disintegrating tablets :
-
Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
-
Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
-
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
-
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after you start taking Allegra 24 Hour Allergy. Never use more than the recommended dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed.
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How Should I Take Allergy Relief
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Allergy Relief is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.
