Generic name: clemastine [ clem-as-teen ]
Drug class: Antihistamines
Availability: Rx and/or otc
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Tavist allergy
What is Clemastine?
Clemastine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Clemastine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.
Clemastine is may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
How should I take Clemastine
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. This medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Clemastine can be taken with or without food.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:
Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Reaction:
Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Reaction:
< 6 years:
0.335 to 0.67 mg/day orally divided into 2 or 3 doses. Maximum daily dose is 1.34 mg.
6 to 12 years:
0.67 to 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Maximum daily dose is 4.02 mg.
> 12 years:
Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
< 6 years:
0.335 to 0.67 mg/day orally divided into 2 or 3 doses. Maximum daily dose is 1.34 mg.
6 to 12 years:
0.67 to 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Maximum daily dose is 4.02 mg.
> 12 years:
Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:
< 6 years:
0.335 to 0.67 mg/day orally divided into 2 or 3 doses. Maximum daily dose is 1.34 mg.
6 to 12 years:
0.67 to 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Maximum daily dose is 4.02 mg.
> 12 years:
Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day.
Before Taking
You should not use clemastine if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use clemastine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
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bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;
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an ulcer or obstruction in the stomach;
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glaucoma; or
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an enlarged prostate, urination problems.
This medicine is not expected to cause harm to an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
Clemastine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines may also slow breast milk production. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 without medical advice.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since clemastine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I avoid while using Clemastine?
clemastine may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking clemastine.
Clemastine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Side effects may be more likely in older adults.
Common side effects of clemastine may include:
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drowsiness;
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blurred vision; or
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feeling restless or excited (especially in children).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See more: Clemastine Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Clemastine?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking clemastine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
What other information should I know?
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about clemastine.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.