Allegra and Colchicine Oral, Intravenous

• Generic Name: fexofenadine
• Dosage Forms: tablet, film coated; tablet, orally disintegrating; oral suspension
• Other Brand Names: Allegra, Allegra ODT, Aller-Ease, Children's Allegra Allergy, Mucinex Allergy, Wal-Fex, Allegra 24 Hour Allergy, Allegra Allergy, Children's Allegra ODT, Allergy Relief, Allegra OTC

Allegra (fexofenadine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Allegra is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever) in adults and children.

Allegra is also used to treat skin itching and hives caused by a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children.

Allegra may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: colchicine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Colcrys, Mitigare

Colchicine is used to prevent or treat attacks of gout (also called gouty arthritis). This condition is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. An attack of gout occurs when uric acid causes inflammation (pain, redness, swelling, and heat) in a joint. Colchicine does not cure gout, but it will help prevent gout attacks. Colchicine is not an ordinary pain reliever and will not relieve most kinds of pain.

Colchicine is also used to treat a rare condition called familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in adults and children older than 4 years of age.

Colchicine may be used in 2 ways. Most people take small amounts of it regularly for a long time (months or even years) to prevent severe attacks or other problems caused by inflammation. Other people take large amounts of colchicine during a short period of time (several hours) only when the medicine is needed to relieve an attack that is occurring. The chance of serious side effects is much lower with the first (preventive) kind of treatment.

Because some of colchicine's side effects can be very serious, you should discuss with your doctor about the benefits that colchicine can do as well as the risks of using it.

Colchicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.