ALTIVA (ALLEGRA) INDICATIONS
Altiva is used for treating seasonal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat, or itchy, watery eyes. It is also used to treat hives and skin itching. Altiva is an antihistamine. It works by blocking a substance in the body called histamine. This helps to decrease allergy symptoms.
ALTIVA (ALLEGRA) INSTRUCTIONS
Use Altiva as directed by your doctor.
- Take Altiva by mouth with or without food.
- Take Altiva with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
- Do not drink fruit juice at the same time as you take Altiva. Certain fruit juices (eg, grapefruit, apple, orange) may decrease Altiva's effectiveness.
- If you take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, do not take them at the same time as Altiva. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with Altiva.
- If you miss a dose of Altiva, 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.
- Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, dizziness, or drowsiness.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Altiva.
ALTIVA (ALLEGRA) STORAGE
Store Altiva between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Store in original packaging until just before use. Keep Altiva out of the reach of children and away from pets.
ALTIVA (ALLEGRA) MORE INFO:
Active Ingredient: Fexofenadine hydrochloride.
Do NOT use Altiva if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Altiva.
Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Altiva. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical condition, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have kidney problems or trouble urinating.
Some medicines may interact with Altiva. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Erythromycin or ketoconazole because they may increase the risk of Altiva's side effects.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Altiva may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
- Altiva may cause dizziness. It does not usually cause drowsiness when used under normal circumstances at the recommended doses. However, these effects may be worse if you take Altiva with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Altiva with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- Altiva may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Altiva for a few days before the tests.
- Use Altiva with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Altiva should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 6 months old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Altiva while you are pregnant. It is not known if Altiva is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Altiva, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Dizziness; headache; stomach upset.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); earache; fever; severe or persistent coughing or vomiting.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.