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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. |
