What is clemastine?

Clemastine is an antihistamine. Clemastine blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.

Clemastine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching watery eyes, hives, rashes, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

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

Important safety information:

• Clemastine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Clemastine . Using Clemastine alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking Clemastine . Clemastine will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.
• Clemastine may cause dizziness. Alcohol, exercise, hot weather, and fever can increase this effect. To prevent it, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur.
• Do not use Clemastine with any other medicine that contains clemastine. Before you begin taking any new prescription or over-the-counter medicine, including one used on the skin, read the ingredients to see if it also contains clemastine. If it does, or if you are uncertain if it does, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not use Clemastine for persistent or chronic cough, or if the cough is accompanied by excessive mucus, or emphysema, asthma, such as that occurs with smoking, unless directed by a health care provider.
• If you are using Clemastine for cough, or allergy symptoms, cold, stop use and contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or are accompanied by fever.
• Use Clemastine with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, sedation, and lightheadedness upon standing.
• Use Clemastine with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the brand you are using.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Clemastine during pregnancy. Clemastine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Clemastine .

Possible side effects of Clemastine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; excitability; dry mouth, throat, and nose; drowsiness; thickening of mucus in nose or throat.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; tremor; hallucinations; decreased alertness; fast heartbeat or pounding in the chest; convulsions; swelling of the mouth, lips, face, or tongue); tightness in the chest; difficulty breathing; hives; wheezing.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch .

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center ( http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm ), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; tremor; seizures; muscle twitching; loss of consciousness; hallucinations; excitement; weakness.

Store Clemastine at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), or according to directions on the package label. Store in the original package or container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Clemastine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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 unless otherwise directed by your doctor.