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What is the most important information I should know about
fexofenadine?
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Never take more of this medication than is directed by your
doctor. If your symptoms are not being adequately treated, talk to
your doctor. |
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Fexofenadine is an antihistamine. Antihistamines work against the
naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body. |
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Fexofenadine is used to prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and
watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms. |
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Fexofenadine may also be used for purposes other than those listed
in this medication guide. |
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
fexofenadine?
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Do not take fexofenadine if you have ever had an
allergic reaction to it. |
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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have any
serious illness such as heart, kidney, or
liver disease. You may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring during treatment if you have other illnesses. |
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Fexofenadine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it
is not known whether fexofenadine will harm an unborn
baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant. |
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It is also not known whether fexofenadine passes into
breast milk. Do not take fexofenadine without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
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Fexofenadine is not approved for use by children younger than 6
years of age. |
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How should I take fexofenadine?
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Take fexofenadine exactly as directed. If you do not understand
these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
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Fexofenadine is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the
evening. Follow your doctor's instructions. |
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Do not take fexofenadine close to a dose of an antacid that contains
aluminum or
magnesium such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta,
Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids may
decrease the effects of fexofenadine. |
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Never take more of this medication than is directed by your doctor.
If your symptoms are not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor. |
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Store fexofenadine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
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What happens if I miss a dose?
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the
next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this
medication. |
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What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention. |
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Symptoms of a fexofenadine overdose are not well known. |
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What should I avoid while taking fexofenadine?
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Do not take fexofenadine close to a dose of an antacid that contains
aluminum or magnesium such as
Rolaids,
Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others.
These antacids may decrease the effects of fexofenadine. |
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What are the possible side effects of fexofenadine?
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Stop taking fexofenadine and seek emergency medical attention if you
experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). |
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Allergic reactions occur only rarely, and other serious side effects
are not likely to occur. |
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Some less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take fexofenadine and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea or
an upset stomach. |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome. |
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What other drugs will affect fexofenadine?
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Do not take fexofenadine close to a dose of an antacid that contains
aluminum or magnesium such as Rolaids, Maalox,
Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These
antacids may decrease the effects of fexofenadine. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
fexofenadine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking other
medications, including herbal products. |
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Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has more information about fexofenadine written for
health professionals that you may read. |
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
medication only for the indication prescribed. |
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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided
by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States
are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug
information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed
to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients
and/ or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and
not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of
healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug
or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given
patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of
healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The
information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking,
check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. |
Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.03. Revision Date: 1/
23/ 04. |
