Allegra vs. Allegra-D: What’s the Difference Between These Allergy Medications?

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Introduction

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you’ve likely come across Allegra and Allegra-D on pharmacy shelves. While both are used to relieve allergy symptoms, they contain different ingredients and are intended to treat slightly different issues.

This article breaks down how Allegra and Allegra-D compare in terms of how they work, what symptoms they address, and what to expect in terms of side effects and availability. If you're looking to save on either medication, you can use a CareCard prescription discount card, accepted at more than 80,000 pharmacies with no insurance required.

Allegra Overview

What Is Allegra?

Allegra is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies.

How Allegra Works

Allegra contains fexofenadine, a second-generation antihistamine. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Unlike older antihistamines, fexofenadine is less likely to cause drowsiness.

Effectiveness of Allegra

Allegra is generally considered effective for managing common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and itching. It’s typically taken once or twice daily and may begin working within an hour.

Dosage and Use

• Usually taken once or twice per day

• Available in 12-hour and 24-hour tablets

• Comes in tablets, gelcaps, and oral suspension for children

Potential Side Effects

Side effects may include:

• Headache

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

Allegra-D Overview

What Is Allegra-D?

Allegra-D is a combination allergy medication that includes both fexofenadine (the active ingredient in regular Allegra) and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant.

How Allegra-D Works

While fexofenadine blocks histamine to reduce sneezing and itching, pseudoephedrine works by shrinking swollen nasal passages to relieve congestion and sinus pressure. This combination is often recommended for people experiencing nasal congestion along with other allergy symptoms.

Effectiveness of Allegra-D

Allegra-D may be more effective than Allegra alone for individuals dealing with significant nasal congestion or sinus pressure in addition to traditional allergy symptoms. However, pseudoephedrine may cause stimulant-like side effects in some users.

Dosage and Use

• Available in 12-hour and 24-hour extended-release tablets

• Must be purchased from behind the pharmacy counter (ID required in many states due to regulations around pseudoephedrine)

• Typically taken once or twice a day, depending on the version

Potential Side Effects

Side effects may include:

• Insomnia

• Nervousness

• Increased heart rate

• Headache

• Dry mouth

Key Differences Between Allegra and Allegra-D

Congestion Relief

Allegra helps relieve many allergy symptoms but does not directly treat nasal or sinus congestion. Allegra-D includes pseudoephedrine, which can help reduce congestion and improve airflow.

Access and Restrictions

Allegra is available directly on the pharmacy shelf, while Allegra-D must be requested from behind the counter due to legal restrictions on pseudoephedrine sales.

Side Effect Profiles

Because it includes a decongestant, Allegra-D may cause stimulant-related side effects like trouble sleeping or jitteriness, which aren’t usually experienced with regular Allegra.

Cost and Savings

Both medications are available in generic forms, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. You may also save by using aCareCard prescription discount card, accepted at more than 80,000 pharmacies with no insurance required.

Conclusion

Allegra and Allegra-D both treat allergy symptoms, but the addition of pseudoephedrine in Allegra-D makes it more suitable for individuals who are also dealing with nasal congestion. Depending on your symptoms and how you respond to each, your provider or pharmacist can help guide the best option for you.

To save on either medication, consider using aCareCard prescription discount card to compare prices and reduce your pharmacy costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the main difference between Allegra and Allegra-D? Allegra-D includes a decongestant (pseudoephedrine), making it more effective for treating nasal congestion in addition to other allergy symptoms.

2. Can Allegra-D keep me awake? Yes, pseudoephedrine can cause stimulant-like side effects, including insomnia or restlessness.

3. Do I need a prescription for Allegra-D? No prescription is required, but it is kept behind the pharmacy counter, and you’ll need to show ID in most states.

4. Is it safe to take Allegra every day? Many people take Allegra daily during allergy season, but you should follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.

5. Can I save money on Allegra or Allegra-D? Yes, you can use aCareCard prescription discount card to compare prices and reduce costs at participating pharmacies.