$Unique_ID{BRK03344}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{terfenadine}
$Subject{Seldane Marion Merrell Dow Antihistamine terfenadine allergy
sneezing runny nose itching tearing histamine allergic reaction}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Seldane*0334401.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


terfenadine
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Seldane (Marion Merrell Dow)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihistamine

INGREDIENT

     terfenadine

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (60 mg)

STORAGE

     Terfenadine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.  The tablets should not be exposed to high temperatures (above
104 degrees_F), direct sunlight, or moisture during storage.

USES

     Terfenadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergy, including sneezing,
runny nose, itching, and tearing.  It belongs to a group of drugs known as
antihistamines, which acts by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical
that is released by the body during an allergic reaction.

TREATMENT

     Terfenadine can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
(unless your doctor directs otherwise).
     Terfenadine should be taken only as needed to control the symptoms of
allergy.
     If you miss a dose of this medication and you are taking it on a regular
schedule, 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.

     Abdominal pain; cough; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, or throat;
fatigue; headache; increased appetite; insomnia; nausea; nervousness;
nosebleeds; sore throat; sweating; vomiting; or weakness.  These side effects
should disappear as your body adjusts to this medication.
     To reduce mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or hard
candy.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, 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
depression, hair loss, itching, menstrual disorders, muscle or bone pain,
nightmares, palpitations, shortness of breath, tingling of your fingers or
toes, tremors, urinary frequency, visual disturbances, or yellowing of the
skin or eyes.

INTERACTIONS

     Terfenadine interacts with the following medications:
     1. The combination of terfenadine and ketocorcizole can result in
increased adverse effects.
     2. The combination of terfenadine and certain antibiotics, such as
erythromycin and troleandomycin, can result in increased adverse effects.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to terfenadine.
     * Before starting terfenadine, tell your doctor if you now have or if you
have ever had asthma.
     * Terfenadine causes less drowsiness than other antihistamines.  However,
until you see how it affects you, be cautious about performing tasks that
require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous
machinery.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This drug's safety
in human pregnancy has not been established.  Also, tell your doctor if you
are breast-feeding.  The effects of terfenadine on nursing infants are not yet
known.

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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.