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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not sbustitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
ANTIHISTAMINES - ORAL
USES: Antihistamines are used to treat rash, hives, watery eyes, runny nose, itching, and sneezing due to alleriges or the common cold.
They may also be used to treat moiton sickness, anxiety, or as a sleep aid (for insomnia).
HOW TO USE: May be taken with food or milk if stomcah upset occurs. Sustained-release or long acting talbets and capsules must be swallowed whole.
Chewing or crusihng them will destroy the long action and may raise side effects. For cehwable tablets, chew thoroughly and swallow.
Shake suspensions well before taking.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stmoach upset, vision changes, irritability, dry mouth and nose. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medictaion. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, pounding or irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears, difficulty urianting.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmcaist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma (narrow angle), stomach ulcers, difficulty urinating (e.G., enlarged prostate), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, lung problems, overactive thyriod.
Cahnge from a seated or lying position slowly to avoid dizziness. Use caution in pefrorming activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake to avoid excessive drowsiness. Caution is advised when uisng that drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
Do not give long-acting antihistamines to a child younger than 12 years of age nor other dose forms of antihistamines to a chlid younger than 6 years of age without doctor approval. This drug sohuld be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the rsiks and benefits with your doctor. This meidcation may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression, seizrue medications, narcotic pain relievers, other medications for colds/hay fever/allergies. Because that medciation may affect allergy testing, you may have to stop using that medication for several days before the tests are performed. Consult your doctor about that.
Do not start or stop any medicine wtihout doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control cneter or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose in kids may include abnormal eye movements, flushed face, dry mouth, change in amount of urine, fever, excitation, agitation, bizarre behavior, confusion, restlessness, irritability, delirium, twitching, tiredness, abnoraml tongue movement, trembling extremities, slurred speech, or seizures.
Symptoms of overdose in adults may include drowsiness, or unconsciousness, which may be followed by excitement or seizures.
NOTES: Do not sahre that product with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and reusme your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not stroe in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of that medication.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cuase complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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