Allegra is a common anti allergy drug available by prescription only. Allegra is prescribed for seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children over 6 years. Allergy symptoms of rhinitis are sneezing, itchy nose/ palate/ throat, itchy/ watery/ red eyes. The recommended dose of Allegra is 60mg twice daily or 180mg once daily with water.

Fexofenadine hydrochloride is the active ingredient in Allegra. Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that provides relief to allergies or seasonal allergy symptoms such as running, itchy nose, and sneezing, itchy throat, itchy or red eyes. It is also used for hives.

Fexofenadine blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of H1 receptor-containing cells by histamine. Unlike the first generation antihistamines, Fexofenadine and other second-generation antihistamines do not readily enter the brain from the blood, and, therefore, they cause less drowsiness.

Like any other medicine Allegra too have the risk of side effects. Side effects are undesirable health problems that occur as a result of taking a particular medication. The common side effects of Allegra in adults taking a 180mg dose are headache, upper respiratory tract infection and back pain.

In adults taking a 60mg dose, twice daily the common Allegra side effects could be viral infection, nausea, Dysmenorrheal (painful menstrual cramps) in women, drowsiness, indigestion and fatigue.

In children, ages 6-12 with seasonal allergic rhinitis taking 40 mg Fexofenadine twice daily, common Allegra side effects could be headache, accidental injury, coughing, fever, pain and upper respiratory tract infection.

Allegra is also used for the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children above 6 years of age. In adults ages 12 and older with chronic idiopathic urticaria taking 60 mg Fexofenadine twice daily, the common side effects could be back pain, sinusitis and drowsiness.

Fexofenadine is marketed in the United Kingdom as Telfast and in the United States as Allegra. It is available only on prescription in both countries. But you can check Allegra information available on various internet sites.