Seldane was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1998.

What is Seldane?

Seldane was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1998.

Seldane is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms.

Seldane is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory conditions.

Seldane may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take Seldane as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Seldane is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the evening. Never take more of this medication than is directed by your doctor. If your symptoms are not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

• the antifungal drugs ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox);

• the antibiotics erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or azithromycin (Zithromax); or

• the ulcer drug cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).

A dangerous side effect involving irregular heartbeats could occur if you take Seldane with any of the medicines listed above.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• asthma or another lung disease;

• low potassium levels in your blood;

• urinary retention or an enlarged prostate;

• kidney or liver disease; or

• heart disease, especially an irregular heartbeat.

You may not be able to take Seldane, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Symptoms of a Seldane overdose include headache, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting.

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• an irregular heartbeat; or

• seizures.

If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking Seldane and talk to your doctor:

• drowsiness or dizziness;

• headache;

• nervousness;

• nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort;

• dry mouth; or

• dry skin or itchiness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

• antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox);

• antibiotics such as erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, others), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and azithromycin (Zithromax); or

• ulcer drugs such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).

A dangerous side effect involving irregular heartbeats could occur if you take Seldane with any of the medicines listed above.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• a beta-blocker (heart medication) such as propranolol (Inderal) or metoprolol (Lopressor);

• a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

• a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), or nortriptyline (Pamelor); or

• caffeine, amphetamines, decongestants, or diet pills.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Seldane. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.