How long does it take for Allegra to take effect?… by Dakota
I started taking allegra today and I wanted to know how long it takes for it to start working?
Best Answer:
Hi. I think Loulu2u said it well.
Here is some more information:
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Fexofenadine (Allegra) is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. Whats great about it is that it is NON SEDATING – Claritin can make you drowsy at higher doses and Zyrtec's regular dosing can have sedating effects.
There are several versions of Allergra including those with Pseudophedrine (Allegra D), orally disintegrating tablets, and various dosaging (180mg, 120mg, & 60mg) options.
I have such severe allergies (year round – but Trees/Grasses/Molds are my worst) that I take the 180 mg dose twice a day. I have had no adverse side effects. At times, I take a decongestant (pseudophedrine) along with the fexofenadine to help with the extra stuffies of the bad reactions.
I did some research to help figure the answer to your question. I found your answer and a bit more. Maybe the info here is too much – but atleast I learned a bit.
Drugs dot com says that fexofenadine (the generic version of Allegra) is rapidly absorbed in a mean average of 2.6 hours. So, if you have been taking Allegra for a few days now, you should have a good level built up in your blood stream. If you are not finding relief, you should contact your doctor. The dosaging may not be enough, you might be taking a conflicting medication which limits the abilites of Allegra to work, you might need additional help to get over the rought times.
Here are a few suggestions about taking Allegra/Fexofenadine:
* Take with water, not juice (see study below)
* Take around the same time every day.
* If you take an antacid, take the antacid several hours before or after you take the Allegra.
* Do not eat with a high fat meal, it reduces plasma levels by 20% (drugs.com)
PS –
I just found this out – that if you are thinking about becoming pregnant, you might want to check with your doctor. Allegra is a Class C drug – which means it might cause harm to the baby or be passed along in breast milk. hmmm…yet its safe enough for a 2 year old with hives.
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Just because it’s in Pregnancy Category C doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s teratogenic. Drugs fall under category C if:
-they show harm in animal studies and there are no studies in pregnant women
OR
-There are no significant studies in pregnant women or animals.
This just means that the benefits of the drug should outweigh the risk.