Generic Name: E: FEXOFENADINE (fex-oh-FEN-a-deen) and
PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (soo-doe-e-FED-rin)
Drug Manufacturer: AVENTIS
Common Uses: This medicine is an
antihistamine and decongestant combination that is used to relieve symptoms
of seasonal allergies such as watery or itchy eyes, runny nose, itchy
throat, sneezing, and stuffy nose (nasal congestion).
How to use this Medicine: Follow the
directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine is
usually taken by mouth twice daily. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or
chew before swallowing. Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1
hour before or 2 hours after eating. High-fat meals may decrease the
absorption of the medicine into your bloodstream. DO NOT TAKE ANTACIDS
(CONTAINING ALUMINUM OR MAGNESIUM) within 2 hours of taking this medicine.
These antacids may decrease the absorption of this medicine. The U.S.
manufacturer recommends that you STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature
between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C). The Canadian manufacturer
recommends that you STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and
86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Store this medicine in a tightly-closed
container, away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS
MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do
NOT take 2 doses at once.
Cautions: DO NOT INCREASE YOUR DOSE
or take more of this medicine than prescribed without checking with your
doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY,
OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to
this medicine. LIMIT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES while taking this medicine. THIS
MEDICINE MAY INTERFERE with allergy test results. Check with your doctor for
instruction on how long you will need to stop taking this medicine prior to
those tests. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription
or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any
medicines which contain diet or appetite control medicines, antihistamines,
or decongestants. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these medicines.
CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN THIS MEDICINE IS USED IN THE ELDERLY because they
may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN
ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of
using this medicine during pregnancy. ONE OF THE INGREDIENTS IN THIS
MEDICINE (PSEUDOEPHDRINE) IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED
while taking this medicine.
Possible Side Effects: SIDE EFFECTS,
that may go away during treatment, include nausea, stomach upset, trouble
sleeping, headache, dizziness, nervousness, or dry mouth. If they continue
or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY
if you experience unusually fast/irregular heartbeat, or uncontrolled
shaking or tremor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience any
serious but unlikely side effects including seizures, chest pain, mental or
mood changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
