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).
12
Hour Tablets
Chemical Name: FEXOFENADINE (fex-oh-FEN-a-deen)
and PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (soo-doe-e-FED-rin)
Before
using
USE OF THIS MEDICINE IN
CHILDREN UNDER 12 is not recommended due to the high amount of pseudoephedrine.
Please talk with your doctor about risks and benefits before giving this
medicine to your child. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with
this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you
are also taking or have taken in the last 14 days a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor, or MAOI, (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine,
procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine). ADDITIONAL
MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking certain
blood pressure medicines (methyldopa, guanethidine, beta blockers such as
propranolol), adrenaline-like medicines, (e.g., ephedrine, methylphenidate),
antacids containing aluminum and magnesium, certain herbal products containing
ephedra, or St. John's wort. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without the
approval of doctor or pharmacist. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS
NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of narrow-angle glaucoma, severe
difficulty urinating (urinary retention), severe high blood pressure, severe
heart/blood vessel disease (e.g., coronary artery disease), or if you have
experienced serious side effects in the past with decongestants (e.g.,
irregular heart rhythm). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be
needed if you have kidney disease, glaucoma (open angle type), high blood
pressure, diabetes, heart problems (e.g., QT prolongation, ischemic heart
disease), problems urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate) or thyroid problems
(hyperthyroidism). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions
or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
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.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can result
in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.
If
you take too much
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include irregular or unusually slow or fast heartbeat,
unusual nervousness or excitement, and seizures.
Additional
information
Carry an identification card
at all times that says you are taking this medicine. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE
with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other
health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF
USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your
supply runs out.
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