Clemastine Description

Generic Name: CLEMASTINE

Pronunciation: (klem' as teen)

Trade Name(s): Clamist, Tavegyl, Tavist

Why it is prescribed: Clemastine, an antihistamine, relieves symptoms caused by hay fever and allergies including itchy skin, hives, sneezing, runny nose, and irritated, itchy, watery eyes.

When it is to be taken: Clemastine is usually taken twice a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Do not take this drug more often or take more doses in a 24-hour period than as directed on the label.

How it should be taken: Clemastine comes in the form of tablets and oral liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose of the liquid.

Special Instruction:
1. Clemastine can cause drowsiness, dizziness and loss of coordination. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking clemastine. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
3. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time for your next scheduled dose, take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects:
1. Drowsiness, stomach upset, chest congestion. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist or severe.
2. Dry mouth, excitement, nervousness, enlargement of pupils in the eye, increased sensitivity to sunlight. Stop taking clemastine and contact your doctor.

Other Precautions:
1. If you take sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression or seizures, narcotics, or other medication for colds, hay fever, or allergies, do not take clemastine without your doctor's advice and supervision.
2. Do not take clemastine if you have taken Monoaminooxidase inhibitors like isocarboxazid, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last two weeks.
3. If you have asthma, lung disease, glaucoma, ulcers, difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take clemastine unless your doctor is aware of your condition and directs you to do so.

Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.