Brand names: Allerhist-1®, Anti-Hist® 1, Antihist®-1, Contac® 12 Hour Allergy, Dailyhist®-1, Dayhist-1®, Equate® Dayhist Allergy, Tavist®, Tavist® Allergy, Wal-Hist™ Allergy
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Clemastine Fumarate Oral syrup (below)
- Clemastine Fumarate Oral tablet
Clemastine Fumarate Oral syrup
What is this medicine?
CLEMASTINE is an antihistamine. It is used to treat the symptoms of allergies and mild allergic reactions. This medicine will not treat an infection.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• glaucoma
• high blood pressure or heart disease
• if you have taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• pain or trouble passing urine
• stomach problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to clemastine, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
• alcohol
• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for sleep
• muscle relaxers
• narcotic medicines for pain
• other medicines for cold, cough, or allergy
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• confused, agitated, or nervous
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• low blood pressure
• seizures
• tremor
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation or diarrhea
• dry mouth, nose, or throat
• headache
• loss of appetite
• stomach upset, vomiting
• thick mucous
• unusual sweating
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature, between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep away from heat and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
