How Should I Use This Medication
For adults and children 12 years of age and older, the usual dose is one caplet twice daily. People with poor kidney function may be prescribed a lower dose by their doctor .
Take this medication on an empty stomach. Swallow the caplet whole with some water. Do not take this medication with fruit juice. Do not break or chew the caplet. Do not take this medication within 2 hours of taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What About Herbal And Dietary Supplements
You can read on the Internet or hear advice in health food stores from nonphysicians about dozens of unproven herbs, vitamins, minerals, homeopathic products, and other dietary supplements that promise to help you control your blood pressure. Taking advice from such sources is fraught with danger, as they are not medically licensed to make such recommendations, and there is no OTC product that is proven safe or effective in lowering high blood pressure. Rather, you should seek care from a legitimate health care professional .
Remember, if you have questions, Consult Your Pharmacist.
Antihistamines And Your Heart Risk
Every week I see allergic patients who are avoiding antihistamine medications because of a concern about their heart or blood pressure. But Most of this worry is outdated and unneeded.
Firstly, lets discuss the antihistamines themselves: older generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine , hydroxyzine or chlorpheneramine are messier chemicals with more side effects such as sedation and dry mouth. Versus newer generation antihistamines like ceterizine , loratadine or fexofenadine have fewer side effects and a bit more targeted action in the body.
High Blood Pressure Risk. The antihistamines alone are not associated with high blood pressure or making blood pressure worse. However many times the antihistamines are bundled with a We typically only recommend taking the combination antihistamine-decongestants on an occasional basis when really feeling sick and they should be avoided with poorly controlled blood pressure. To be safe, just stick with the plain antihistamine meds for allergies if you have high blood pressure.
Cardiac Arrythmia Risk. The risks of cardiac rhythm problems are small but do exist some with the first generation antihistamines. If you are at risk of QT prolongation or certain other rare rhythm disorders, avoiding first generation antihistamines is a good idea. Newer antihistamines like fexofenadine, ceterizine and loratadine are all fairly safe for the heart, with fexofenadine seeming to be the absolute safest if you are at risk of arrythmia.
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Pharmacist Tips For Allegra
Dont cut, crush, or chew the tablets. This will affect the way Allegra-D works since it is made to release the medication over time. Make sure that you swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water on an empty stomach for correct usage.
Dont take the medication with fruit juices as they can affect the way this medication is absorbed by your body.
If you have high blood pressure, kidney problems, or take medications for your mood talk to your provider before using Allegra-D . This medication may not be the best option for you.
Pseudoephedrine can keep people awake at night. Taking the medication in the morning can help avoid this side effect.
Avoid taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium within 30 minutes before or after taking Allegra-D . These antacids can affect the way this medication is absorbed. If you commonly take antacids for heartburn or indigestion you can try calcium-containing antacids like Tums, which dont interact with the medication.
Stop taking Allegra-D and talk to your provider if your symptoms dont improve after 7 days, or if you develop a fever. Your symptoms may be the result of an infection.
Prices for Allegra-D start at just $18.54 with a GoodRx coupon. Theyâre fast, easy-to-use and free!
What Otc Allergy Medicines Are Safe For Me If I Have High Blood Pressure
There are non-prescription drugs that can be used safely if you have high blood pressure. A common problem with these drugs is that they may contain more than one medication. It is important to look at the ingredients to see what is included in each product.
Many people find relief of allergy symptoms by taking antihistamines. These include:
- diphenhydramine
- chlorpheniramine
They can cause drowsiness, so be careful if driving or at work. Newer antihistamines like loratadine and certirizine cause less drowsiness.
- pseudoephedrine
You should avoid these if you have high blood pressure, especially if your blood pressure has been difficult to control. If you have high blood pressure, check the ingredients of all over-the-counter allergy products to be sure they do not contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.
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What If I Forget To Take It
If you’re taking fexofenadine once a day, take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you forget to give a dose to a child who is taking fexofenadine twice a day, you can give the dose if it’s within 4 hours of when they should have had it.
If you remember more than 4 hours after, do not give the missed dose. Instead, wait until the next dose and carry on as normal.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
Can I Compare Prescription Prices Before Filling My Allergy Medicine
The majority of allergy medications are now available over the counter. This means that many insurance plans no longer cover your allergy medicine. If your insurance does not cover your medication, you can use a prescription savings card to get the lowest prescription price. You can save up to 80% or more off the retail price by using the ScriptSave® WellRx discount card at a pharmacy near you.
Rosanna Sutherby is a freelance medical writer who has been a practicing pharmacist in her community for close to 20 years. She obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She utilizes her clinical training in the pharmacy, where she helps patients manage disease states such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and many others. Dr. Sutherby reviews and recommends drug regimens based on patients concurrent conditions and potential drug interactions.
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How Should I Use This Medicine
Swallow this medicine with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take the tablet on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after a meal. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
Does Allegra Raise Blood Pressure
Question posted by hopefulhelper on 7 May 2010
I take BP medicine, Attenol, but my BP has been high since taking this drug. Also, a racing heart w/ palpitations.
Are you taking Allegra or Allegra D? Allegra D can raise blood pressure. Allegra is not known to raise blood pressure, however is may be causing it.
Even without the D , I feel antihistamines raise BP… It appears they can .
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What Side Effects Are Possible With This Medication
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- trouble sleeping
Although most of these side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a serious allergic reaction
- signs of high blood pressure
- signs of taking too much medication
- difficulty breathing
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
What Are The Causes Of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects many different ages and body types, as well as both genders. It occurs in all races, although it is more common in African Americans. In some patients, the hypertension has no known or identifiable cause this is called essential hypertension. When caused by a specific habit, condition, or medication, it is known as secondary hypertension. Some of the factors that affect blood pressure are the amount of water and salt you take in and retain daily the medical health of your kidneys, nervous system, and blood vessels and the levels of certain hormones. Hypertension is more common in those who smoke, the obese, and those with diabetes mellitus. Other causes of secondary hypertension include anxiety, stress, cocaine use, alcohol abuse, and use of certain nonprescription products such as oral nasal decongestants, nasal sprays or inhalers, combination products for cough, cold, and/or flu, nicotine cessation products, and asthma medications.
Read the labels of all nonprescription products for warnings about high blood pressure and Consult Your Pharmacist if you have any questions.
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Do Allergy Medicines Interact With My Blood Pressure Medication
Most antihistamines are generally safe to take with your blood pressure medication. However, keep in mind the following drug interactions if you are taking medication for your blood pressure:
- fexofenadine : Carvedilol may increase the effects of fexofenadine. Use fexofenadine cautiously if you are taking carvedilol.
- cetirizine and levocetirizine : You may experience increased drowsiness if you take cetirizine or levocetirizine in combination with methyldopa .
- diphenhydramine : Any product containing diphenhydramine may counteract the effects of many of your blood pressure medications. Be sure to talk with your pharmacist before taking any diphenhydramine products.
Nonprescription Products To Avoid With Hypertension
W. Steven Pray, PhD, DPhBernhardt Professor, Nonprescription Products and DevicesCollege of Pharmacy, Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityWeatherford, Oklahoma
US Pharm.
Researchers have charted an alarming rise in the number of persons with hypertension. For example, the number rose by 30% from 1994 to 2000.1 The CDC estimated the percentage of noninstitutionalized adults aged 20 years and above with hypertension to be 32%.2 The number of ambulatory visits that have hypertension as the primary diagnosis is estimated to be 40.5 million.2 In 2006, there were 23,855 deaths due to hypertension, or 8 per 100,000 population.2
The National Institutes of Health has provided this hypertension advice for the lay public: Most of the time, high blood pressure can be controlled with medicine and lifestyle changes.3 Of course, this optimistic statement assumes that patients do not unknowingly take any action that would raise their blood pressure. For instance, some nonprescription medications may cause dangerous rises in blood pressure, and the labels reflect that danger by recommending that patients speak to a physician before using them. However, some patients ignore the labels completely. Others may choose to ask the pharmacist about the warning. For this reason, it is important for pharmacists to be aware of which products carry the warning and which alternative products may be recommended.
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Can Allergy Medications Increase Blood Pressure
Although allergies don’t usually directly increase blood pressure, they can indirectly contribute to high blood pressure. When you choose to use decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine , you can worsen the existing high blood pressure.
Although these medicines can ease nasal congestion and improve breathing, they can constrict blood vessels throughout the body, making the heart work harder to pump blood. This is what increases blood pressure.
When choosing an over-the-counter allergy medication, beware of combination products that contain decongestants. These products typically have the words sinus, cold, congestion, or decongestant on the label. They also might be labeled with the letters D, PD, or PE after the name.
If you choose to take an over-the-counter allergy product, look for one that doesn’t contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. Some Antihistamines can help with the congestion that accompanies allergies and is safer for the heart, such as cetirizine , fexofenadine diphenhydramine , and loratadine .
How Do You Take Allergy Meds Safely
Discuss your allergy medications with your doctor or pharmacist before taking anything new. Bring your meds with you to the doctorâs office or pharmacy, so they can examine them directly and make recommendations.
You should also consider how your age may impact specific side effects beyond blood pressure. For example, your medication could cause drowsiness and increase your risk of falling. At age 20, a fall may be easy to manage at age 20 however, if youâre over 70, even a minor fall can have serious consequences.
Finally, always follow each medicationâs instruction label closely. This way, you donât run into severe but otherwise avoidable side effects. For example, nasal sprays should only be used short-term, as they can cause damage to the nasal passageway over a long period.
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Allergies And Blood Pressure: Everything You Need To Know
Allergy season seems to be year-round these days. This means, for some, battling symptoms like sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. If you are among these allergy sufferers, you may head to a pharmacy near you for relief.
It may be a bit tricky if you have hypertension . We have a few tips to help you out when choosing the best and safest medicine for allergy relief. Read on to learn how some allergy medicines may affect your blood pressure and your blood pressure medication.
What Allergy Medicines Can I Safely Take If I Have Heart Disease Or High Blood Pressure
Oklahoma Heart Institute Director of Interventional Laboratories, Dr. Wayne Leimbach, shares insights on allergies, heart disease and high blood pressure on our blog today.
Springtime brings not only beautiful weather and beautiful flowers, but it also brings high pollen counts and suffering to people with allergies. Many people often ask what allergy medicines can I safely take if I have heart disease or high blood pressure. Many allergy medications include decongestants that can raise blood pressure, create palpitations and interfere with some other heart medications.
Medications that often can be safely used by people with significant allergies include nasal corticosteroids. In addition, antihistamines are very effective. The antihistamines include fexofenadine , cetirizine , loratadine and diphenhydramine .
Often manufactures will include a decongestant with the antihistamines in order to provide additional control of the runny nose often seen with allergies. Manufacturers will often indicate which of the antihistamines also contain a decongestant by adding the letter D to the name of the medicine. These decongestants can be phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine or oxymetazoline.
Therefore, advertised medicines such as Allegra, Zyrtec, or Claritin should be safe for most patients with heart disease and allergies however, Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D, Claritin-D could cause problems for patients with allergies and heart disease.
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Allergy Medicines And Hypertension
Allergy season is in full swing in many parts of the country. For some, that means battling symptoms, such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. If you are among the over 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies each year, you may be headed to a pharmacy near you for relief of your allergy symptoms. Choosing allergy medication that is right for you may be tricky if you have hypertension . Read on to learn how some allergy medicines may affect your blood pressure and your blood pressure medication.
Looking for the Best Rx Price on Allergy Meds?
Can I Take Allergy Medicine If I Have High Blood Pressure
Many people suffer from seasonal allergies, especially in the Coastal Bend. A common concern that we encounter when treating allergy patients is that they would like to try allergy medicine but are afraid that it will elevate blood pressure. In general, most allergy medicine is safe to use in patients with underlying high blood pressure. Regarding specific mechanisms of action, antihistamines and nasal steroids will not elevate blood pressure when used as directed.
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