I had been using Claritin Redi-tabs for over a decade. When I came down with bronchitis, my doctor prescribed Allegra D. At the time, it was by prescription only. I hated meds that made me drowsy and the doctor assured me it would not make me drowsy. All the other meds he prescribed for allergy in the past did not work. I've been prescribed nasal sprays which made my nose bleed (one of the side effects). This was the first time something actually worked. Now that Allegra is readily available OTC, I went out and bought it without the D. Although it does not provide 100% relief, the results are livable. I am not constantly blowing my nose or having sneezing fits. I suffer from allergy year round and I know it doesn't help that I have dogs and am allergic to their dander. So Allegra to the rescue! So far I have not had any side effects from taking Allegra--no headaches or nosebleeds that is common with the nasal sprays.

luvs10is

Mililani, HI

I have seasonal allergies. My first prescription years ago was for Claritin. When that wasn't working I was put on Allegra which is one of three brand names for the generic Fexofenadine hydrochloride. The other two are Telfast and Fastofen. **What is this** Fexofenadine hydrochloride is an antihistamine for allergies such as hay fever, mold, and for me it works great against the dreaded cat allergies. Fexofenadine is considered a second or third-generation antihistamine because it doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier so most importantly to me even above sneezing is that it does not make me at all sleepy. I don't know if anyone takes Contact anymore or if it is even made but that just put me to sleep. **The Dose** The dose for adults and children 12 years or older is 60 mg twice daily or 120 mg once a day.  My prescription calls for 1, 180 mg tablet once a day but if my allergies are severe (Severe to me is watery eyes, itchy skin but nothing that sends me to the hospital.) then according to my daughter who is a doctor (I have never asked my Primary Care Physician) she told me I can take two Allegra in a day if I'm going to be around cats. Children 6-11 years of age should be given 30 mg twice daily. Fexofenadine can be taken with or without food and with water not juice. **Side Effects** Some side affects are nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea. I have never had any adverse affect from this drug. **My Experience** Allegra stops my watery eyes very quickly and it is even better if I take it before the allergy starts. I find that one or two last all day. I never take any more until the next day. If I know that I am going to someone's house with a cat I take two before I go although Allegra works for me even after the cat's done what it does! I take Allegra in the morning right around this time of the year when the flowers start to bloom and I can enjoy being outside. You can now buy Claritin over the counter. Allegra is still by prescription only. It's affordable because this is not a drug I take daily except during short periods of time or on occasion. These are pills and not capsules. They're large and a bit hard to swallow.    

Jo

Plymouth, MA