Allergy relief medications have slightly different effects based on their active ingredients. Allegra and Equate Allergy Relief are both antihistamines used to reduce the symptoms of allergies and hay fever.
Comparison chart
 | Allegra | Equate Allergy Relief |
|---|---|---|
| Interactions | Less effective if combined with fruit juice or antacids | Should not be combined with other products that contain diphenhydramine or with alcohol. |
| Warnings/Precautions for | Pregnant or Nursing mothers. | Pregnant or Nursing mothers. |
| Dosage | Adult:180mg once or 60mg twice daily for anyone over 11. 6-11 yrs: 30mg twice daily. <6yrs: oral suspension of up to 300mL based on their weight. | Varies |
| Cost | Varies. $10-$20. | Varies. $5-$10. |
| Supplied as | Tablets, ODT, Suspensions | Tablets, ODT, Suspensions |
| Over the Counter | Yes | Yes |
| Side effects | Headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, nightmares and coughing. | Most commonly Drowsiness; also varied with the active ingredient used. |
| Treats | Symptoms of hay fever, allergies and the common cold, such as sneezing, running nose, itchy eyes and fatigue. | Relieves symptoms of hay fever and allergies such as runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes, nose and throats. |
| Drug Type | Antihistamine | Antihistamine |
| Active Ingredient | Fexodenadine hydrochloride (C32H39NO4 ) | Cetirizine hydrochloride (C21H25ClN2O3 ), Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (C17H21NO ), loratadine (C22H23ClN2O2 ) or Fexodenadine hydrochloride (C32H39NO4 ) |
| Half Life (time taken to lose half of its pharmacologic effect) | Approx. 14.4 hours | Children: approx 5.4 hours Adults: approx. 9.2 hours Seniors: approx. 13.5 hours |
| Manufacturer | Sanofi Aventis | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. |
Active Ingredients
The active ingredient in Allegra is Fexofenadine.
Different types of Equate Allergy Relief contain different active ingredients, including Cetirizine (tablet form), Diphenhydramine (liquid or tablet), Fexofenadine (tablet) and Loratadine (tablet).
Effects
Both Allegra and Equate Allergy Relief are antihistamine drugs that reduce the severity of symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, nose and throat. However, while Allegra also combats fatigue caused by allergies, Equate Allergy Relief causes drowsiness. The effectiveness of each drug depends on the individual.
Side Effects
The potential side effects of Allegra include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, nightmares and coughing.
Equate Allergy Relief’s different active ingredients can cause different side effects. Tablets containing fexofenadine have the same potential side effects of Allegra, while those containing fexofenadine and cetirizine can cause extreme drowsiness.
Interactions
Mixing Allegra with fruit juice or antacids can reduce its effectiveness.
Equate Allergy Relief with diphenhydramine should not be combined with other products that contain diphenhydramine or with alcohol. Equate Allergy Relief containing cetirizine should not be combined with MAOIs, and Equate Allergy Relief with fexofenadine should not be mixed with fruit juices or antacids.
Cost
When bought over the counter, Allegra costs between $10 and $20. Equate Allergy Relief costs $5-10. You can check current prices for these drugs on Amazon:
Dosage
Allegra can be taken twice daily in 60mg doses, or once daily in a 120mg dose. Elderly users should take one 60mg dose a day. It is not recommended for under 12s.
Varies depending on active ingredient. Adults should take 1-2 25mg tablets of Equate Allergy Relief with diphenhydramine every 4-6 hours. Under 12s can take 1 tablet. Equate Allergy Relief with fexofenadine, cetirizine or loratadine should be taken once a day.
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