From the Guidelines
Taking Allegra (fexofenadine) 180mg and famotidine 20mg twice daily together is generally considered safe for most people, as they do not have significant interactions with each other and can be taken as part of the same treatment regimen. These medications work on different receptor types, with Allegra blocking histamine receptors (H1 receptors) to relieve allergy symptoms, and famotidine blocking different histamine receptors (H2 receptors) to reduce stomach acid production. According to the FAMOUS trial 1, famotidine 20mg twice daily was beneficial in reducing the incidence of peptic ulcer or esophagitis in patients taking low-dose ASA, with no significant interactions reported. Additionally, the FDA notes that there is no evidence that H2 blockers, such as famotidine, interfere with the antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel 1.
Some key points to consider when taking these medications together include:
- Taking them with water and not with fruit juice is recommended for Allegra, as certain juices can decrease its effectiveness
- People with kidney disease may need dose adjustments for either medication, so it's essential to inform your doctor about your complete medical history and all medications you're taking
- If you experience any unusual side effects like dizziness, headache, or stomach discomfort, contact your healthcare provider
- The FAMOUS trial 1 found that famotidine 20mg twice daily reduced the incidence of gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and erosive esophagitis in patients taking low-dose ASA, with a significant reduction in the rate of occurrence of these conditions compared to the placebo group.
Overall, the combination of Allegra and famotidine is considered safe and effective, with no significant interactions reported. However, it's always important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen.
From the Research
Safety of Allegra and Famotidine Combination
- The safety of taking Allegra (fexofenadine) 180mg and famotidine 20mg twice daily (BID) together is not directly addressed in the provided studies.
- However, the individual safety profiles of both medications can be considered:
- Fexofenadine has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, with no significant effect on the corrected QT interval (QTc) even at high doses 2.
- Famotidine has been found to be effective in relieving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and healing erosions and ulcerations, with a good safety profile 3.
- There is some evidence to suggest that H2-blockers, such as famotidine, may have adverse cardiovascular effects, including modulation of heart rate variability 4.
- However, the specific combination of Allegra and famotidine has not been studied in the provided evidence, and therefore, the safety of this combination cannot be definitively determined.
Potential Interactions and Considerations
- The use of fexofenadine and famotidine together may not have significant interactions, as fexofenadine has been shown to have no significant effect on QTc and is not known to interact with H2-blockers 2.
- However, patients with certain medical conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, may require careful consideration when using antiarrhythmic drugs or other medications that may interact with famotidine or fexofenadine 5.
- As with any medication combination, patients should be monitored for potential adverse effects and interactions, and the safety of the combination should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.