From the FDA Drug Label
Fexofenadine hydrochloride is formulated as a tablet for oral administration. Each tablet contains 30,60, or 180 mg fexofenadine hydrochloride (depending on the dosage strength) and the following excipients: croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and pregelatinized starch The aqueous tablet film coating is made from hypromellose, iron oxide blends, polyethylene glycol, povidone, silicone dioxide, and titanium dioxide. The ingredients of Allegra Allergy are:
- Active ingredient: Fexofenadine hydrochloride
- Excipients:
- Croscarmellose sodium
- Magnesium stearate
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Pregelatinized starch
- Film coating:
- Hypromellose
- Iron oxide blends
- Polyethylene glycol
- Povidone
- Silicone dioxide
- Titanium dioxide 1
From the Research
Allegra Allergy's active ingredient is fexofenadine hydrochloride, a non-drowsy antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms by blocking histamine receptors. The standard dose for adults and children 12 years and older is 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily 2. Inactive ingredients in Allegra tablets typically include croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and pregelatinized starch. The gelatin capsules may contain additional ingredients like silicon dioxide and lactose.
Key Points
- Allegra works by preventing histamine from binding to H1 receptors in the body, which reduces allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin reactions without causing significant drowsiness like older antihistamines 3.
- It's essential to take Allegra as directed and to avoid taking it with fruit juices as they can decrease absorption 4.
- If you have kidney disease, your doctor may recommend a lower dose.
Benefits and Safety
- Fexofenadine has a wide therapeutic window and is not associated with any sedative effects, even at higher than recommended doses 2.
- Data from randomized clinical trials show that FEX meets the criteria for an effective treatment option with a favorable safety profile, improving the quality of life of patients suffering from AR and urticaria 2. Some key benefits of fexofenadine include:
- Rapid relief of symptoms
- Long-lasting effect
- No drowsiness
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Favorable safety profile It's worth noting that fexofenadine has been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhoea, itchy nose palate or throat, and itchy, watery, red eyes in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis 5.