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- $Unique_ID{BRK03041}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{azatadine}
- $Subject{Optimine Schering Antihistamine azatadine block action histamine
- chemical allergic reaction allergy}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{
- Optimine*0304101.scf}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- azatadine
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)
-
- Optimine (Schering)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Antihistamine
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- azatadine
-
- DOSAGE FORM
-
- Tablets (1 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
-
- USES
-
- This medication belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines
- (antihistamines block the action of histamine, a chemical 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 azatadine with food or with a full
- glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
- If you miss a dose of this drug, take the missed dose as soon as
- possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, don't
- take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Confusion; constipation; diarrhea; difficult or painful urination;
- dizziness; 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. 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.
-
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- the following effects: blurred vision, change in menstruation, clumsiness,
- feeling faint, fever, flushing of the face, hallucinations, palpitations,
- rash, sleeping disorders, seizures, shortness of breath, sore throat,
- tightness in the chest, unusual bleeding or bruising, or unusual tiredness.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Azatadine interacts with other types of medications:
- 1. Concurrent use of it with other 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 use of this drug and use of an
- MAO inhibitor.
- 3. Azatadine 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 listed above.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
- medications, especially to azatadine or any other antihistamine
- (brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, cyproheptadine,
- dexchlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, dimethindene, diphenhydramine,
- diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, pyrilamine,
- 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.
- * Azatadine can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your ability to perform
- tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially
- dangerous equipment, may be decreased. Appropriate caution should, therefore,
- be taken.
- * 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
- azatadine pass into breast milk and may cause unusual excitement or
- irritability in nursing infants.
-
- ----------------
-
- 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.
-