What Is Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine Used For?

An Overview of Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine

Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D^®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat outdoor seasonal allergy symptoms (hay fever).

 

Outdoor Allergy Symptoms

Hay fever, also known as outdoor allergies or pollen allergy, is one of the most common kinds of allergies. About 35 million Americans suffer from hay fever. Hay fever is caused by breathing in pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds that then cause an allergic reaction. This can result in classic allergy symptoms.

 

Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine is used to treat hay fever symptoms, including:

 

For hay fever symptoms, fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine can be used in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.

 

How Does Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine Work?

When you come in contact with something you are allergic to, a chain reaction begins inside your body. During this chain reaction, special cells release powerful chemicals. Some of these chemicals can trigger swelling of the nasal passages and lead to nasal congestion (a "stuffy nose"). Other chemicals, such as histamine, can cause sneezing, itching, and irritation.

 

Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine is a combination medication. Fexofenadine (Allegra^®) is part of a class of drugs called antihistamines. As the name implies, Allegra blocks the effects of histamine. This leads to relief of allergy symptoms -- except for nasal congestion. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed^®) is a decongestant. It works by decreasing the swelling in the nasal passages, which improves the nasal congestion.