About Allergies: Don't Mix Allegra and Fruit Juice

If you can't see this email, click here

Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Allegra (fexofenadine), is a non-sedating antihistamine that has recently become available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. Since becoming available OTC, as well as being approved for young children, Allegra will likely become even more popular for people with allergy symptoms. For this reason, it is important for people to know that taking Allegra along with various fruit juices, especially orange and grapefruit juice, reduces the absorption of Allegra by more than one-third, therefore making the medicine less effective. Allegra depends on specialized receptors on cells within the small intestines, called organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs), to absorb the medicine into the body. When various fruit juices are present in the small intestines, especially grapefruit, apple or orange juice, these OATPs are unable to absorb Allegra into the body. This effect seems to occur with soft drinks with as little as 5% fruit juice. Taking Allegra with fruit juice may decrease the absorption by nearly 40% or more, making the medicine far less effective against the treatment of allergy symptoms. It is important for a person taking Allegra to avoid fresh fruit or fruit juices for an hour or 2 before or after taking Allegra. Otherwise, the effective of Allegra will be significantly reduced, and allergy symptoms will likely be left uncontrolled. Allegra For the Treatment of Allergies Allegra is available in brand name and generic (as fexofenadine) forms, and comes in tablets, liquid, and oral disintegrating tablets. The dosage of Allegra is 15 milligrams twice a day for children 6 months to 2 years of age, 30 milligrams twice a day for 2 to 11 years of age, and 60 milligrams twice a day (or 180 milligrams once a day) for ages 12 years and older... Read more See More About:  antihistamines  hay fever treatment  allergy shots Zyrtec for Allergies Zyrtec is available without a prescription (over-the-counter) in brand name (Zyrtec) and generic (cetirizine) types, and comes in tablet, chewable and liquid forms. The dosage of Zyrtec is 5 milligrams for children 2 to 6 years of age, and 10 milligrams for 6 years of age and older... Read more See More About:  hay fever  hay fever treatment  allergy shots Claritin for Allergies Claritin is available over the counter without a prescription and in multiple generic forms, and comes in tablet and liquid forms, and as oral disintegrating tablets. The dosage of Claritin is 5 milligrams for children 2 to 6 years of age, and 10 milligrams for 6 years of age and older... Read more See More About:  hay fever symptoms  hay fever treatment  allergy shots Skin Allergies Discussion of the most common types of skin allergies, including hives, swelling, eczema and contact dermatitis. Other areas of skin allergies, including drug and medication allergies are also discussed. Allergies Ads Allergies Allergy Reaction Rash Allergy Allergy Treatment Food Allergy Featured Articles Asthma and Lung Allergies Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Drug and Latex Allergies Insect Allergies   More from About.com Backyard Chickens 101 Dabble in the self-sufficient, eco-friendly life with these essential chicken-raising tips. More> 24 Amazing Container Gardens These gorgeous and creative gardens prove it doesn't take a lot of space to create something special. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement