$Unique_ID{BRK03091}
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$Title{clemastine}
$Subject{Tavist Tavist-1 Sandoz Antihistamine clemastine fumarate histamine
allergic reaction allergy}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


clemastine
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Tavist (Sandoz)
     Tavist-1 (Sandoz)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihistamine

INGREDIENT

     clemastine fumarate

DOSAGE FORMS

     Tablets (1.34 mg and 2.68 mg)
     Oral syrup (0.67 mg per 5-ml spoonful, with 5.5% alcohol)

STORAGE

     Clemastine tablets and oral syrup should be stored at room temperature in
tightly closed containers.

USES

     This medication belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines
(antihistamines block the action of histamine, a chemical that is released by
the body during an allergic reaction).  It is, therefore, used to treat or
prevent symptoms of allergy.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach upset, you can take clemastine with food or with a full
glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Each dose of the oral syrup should be measured carefully with a specially
designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate
enough.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision; confusion; constipation; diarrhea; difficult or painful
urination; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, or nose; headache;
irritability; loss of appetite; nausea; restlessness; ringing or buzzing in
the ears; stomach upset; or unusual increase in sweating.  These side effects
should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor tells you not to do so).
     Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to
reduce mouth dryness.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
from a sitting or lying position slowly, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
change in menstruation, clumsiness, feeling faint, flushing of the face,
hallucinations, palpitations, rash, seizures, shortness of breath, sleeping
disorders, sore throat or fever, tightness in the chest, unusual bleeding or
bruising, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Clemastine interacts with other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of it with central nervous system depressants (such as
alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants,
narcotics, pain medications, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with
tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness.
     2. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (isocarboxazid, pargyline,
phenelzine and tranylcypromine) can increase the side effects of this
medication.  At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug and the use
of an MAO inhibitor.
     3. Clemastine can also decrease the activity of oral anticoagulants
(blood thinners, such as warfarin).
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of the medications that are listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to clemastine or to other antihistamines (such as
astemizole, azatadine, brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, chlorpheniramine,
cyproheptadine, dexchlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, dimethindene,
diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, phenidamine,
promethazine, pyrilamine, terfenadine, trimeprazine, tripelennamine, and
triprolidine).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma, blood
vessel disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, kidney disease, peptic ulcers,
enlarged prostate gland, or thyroid disease.
     * Clemastine can cause drowsiness or dizziness.  Your ability to perform
tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating dangerous
equipment, may be decreased.  Appropriate caution should, be taken.
     * Drinking alcoholic beverages can increase the sedative effects of
clemastine.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of
clemastine pass into breast milk and may cause unusual excitement or
irritability in nursing infants.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.