Clemastine 2.68mg Tablets

Clemastine is a first-generation antihistamine that competitively blocks histamine H1 receptors, thereby preventing the effects of histamine on capillaries, bronchi, and gastrointestinal smooth muscle. It also possesses significant anticholinergic and sedative properties.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Change in balance

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice:

Feeling dizzy or sleepy
Stomach pain
* Thickening of mucus in the nose or throat

Note: This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions and situations to ensure safe treatment:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Describe the allergic reactions you have experienced.
If you have asthma.
If you have taken certain medications for depression or Parkinson's disease within the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, as this may lead to very high blood pressure.
If you are taking linezolid or methylene blue, as these medications can interact with this drug.
If you are breastfeeding, as you should not breastfeed while taking this medication.

Special Considerations for Children:

If your child is a premature baby or a newborn, do not administer this medication, as it is not suitable for these age groups.

Additional Important Information:

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you have. This will help ensure that it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Adhere strictly to the dosage instructions provided by your doctor, as taking more than prescribed may increase your risk of experiencing severe side effects. Additionally, do not take this medication for a longer duration than recommended by your doctor.

Until you are aware of how this medication affects you, it is crucial to avoid driving and engaging in other activities that require alertness. It is also recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking this drug. Before using marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications that may cause drowsiness, consult with your doctor.

If you are scheduled to undergo allergy skin tests, inform your doctor and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication, as it may impact the test results. Individuals aged 60 or older should exercise caution when using this medication, as they may be more susceptible to side effects. Similarly, when administering this medication to children, use it with caution, as they may have a higher risk of experiencing excitability.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is vital to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy with your doctor.

• Not typically contraindicated with specific drugs, but caution with conditions exacerbated by anticholinergic effects (e.g., narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy).

• CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, opioids, other antihistamines): Potentiation of sedative effects.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of clemastine.

• Other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, atropine, some antipsychotics): Additive anticholinergic effects (e.g., dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, constipation).

• Not available

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Urinary retention
• Constipation
• Nervousness (paradoxical excitation, especially in children)

Category B. Animal studies have not shown fetal harm, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh potential risks.

Use with caution. Clemastine is excreted into breast milk and may cause sedation, irritability, or apnea in the nursing infant. It may also decrease milk supply due to its anticholinergic effects.

Children, especially those under 6 years, may experience paradoxical excitation (restlessness, insomnia, nervousness) rather than sedation. Not recommended for infants. Use with caution and appropriate dosing in children 6-12 years.

Elderly patients are more susceptible to the sedative, hypotensive, and anticholinergic effects (e.g., confusion, urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision) of clemastine. Use lower doses and monitor closely.

• Clemastine is a first-generation antihistamine known for its significant sedative and anticholinergic side effects.
• Due to its long half-life, once or twice daily dosing is often sufficient, but patients should be warned about prolonged drowsiness.
• It is generally less preferred than second-generation antihistamines for chronic allergy management due to its side effect profile, but can be useful for acute, severe symptoms or when sedation is desired (e.g., nighttime use).
• Patients should be advised to avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until they know how the drug affects them.

• Second-generation antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, levocetirizine) for less sedating options.
• Other first-generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine).
• Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone) for allergic rhinitis.
• Mast cell stabilizers (e.g., cromolyn sodium).

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance. To ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider for clarification. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the name of the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.