Finding the Right Allegra Dosage For You


Allergy medication comes in a lot of forms nowadays - tablets, dissoving tablets, suspensions - and Allegra has all of these. Allegra, also known as fexofenadine hydrochloride, is one of the most popular antihistamines in the market, aiding in the fight against two of the most common allergies known to man: hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and hives. Allegra comes in various brand names and preparations. So how do you know what Allegra dosage is just right for you?

If you are a healthy adult below the age of 65, you are probably able to take a 60 mg twice a day, or 180 mg once a day. If these produce any of the common side effects experienced by one who takes Allegra, such as nausea, drowsiness, headaches, backaches and incessant coughing, you may wish to consult your doctor for advice on the proper Allegra dosage you should take.

Also, consider the possibility that you are allergic to Allegra. It is uncommon that people are allergic to anti-allergy medication, but it has been known to happen. Allegra is made of fexofenadine - a third-generation antihistamine which is non-drowsy compared to first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton). If you find that you are allergic to fexofenadine, or any other component of Allegra, stop taking the medication compeletely and switch to another anti-allergy medicine.

On the other hand, you may be suffering from pre-existing health issues that may trigger some complications with the use of Allegra. Having a heart, kidney or liver problem would be examples of such. Also, the medications you take for any of these problems may conflict with Allegra. Be careful, since Allegra is highly sensitive to other medicines, even herbal supplements and antacids (especially magnesium and aluminum-based ones). Using medicine that conflicts with Allegra could have some serious consequences. Your doctor should be able to tell you if it is safe to use Allegra, and what dose is safe for you to use.

Children younger than the age of 12 are not advised to take Allegra at adult doses. 30 mg twice a day should be sufficient for healthy children aged 6 to 11 years. Children who have decreased renal functons, however, may need to take 30 mg of Allegra only once a day. The 30 mg tablet preparation also comes in a 5 mL suspension form, which is flavored and may better suit the preferences of little children.

You should never try to exceed the dose that is recommended for you! Allergy medication is usually taken several hours before an attack is anticipated, therefore there is plenty of time for the medicine to start working. And just because you don't feel it working, doesn't mean it's not! The benefit of allergy medication is precisely to keep you from feeling there's anything wrong with your body. It inhibits the onset of allergic reactions brought on by the body's defense mechanism against being invaded by foreign substances.

It is never best to second guess. See your doctor for advice on the dosage that is best for you. Anti-allergy medication could still pose some severe health problems if not used as directed, or with the supervision of a doctor in the case of patients with pre-existing health problems.