Clemastine

Clemastine is an antihistamine that helps lessen the effects of histamine, a natural chemical in the body. Histamine can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Clemastine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and other symptoms of colds or allergies.

Clemastine may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

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.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are 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:

• bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;
• an ulcer or obstruction in the stomach;
• glaucoma; or
• an enlarged prostate, urination problems.

This medicine is not expected to harm 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 down 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.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Side effects may happen more often in older adults.

Common side effects of clemastine may include:

• drowsiness;
• blurred vision; or
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

Since clemastine is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

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.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also taking 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 make these effects worse. Ask your doctor before taking clemastine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.