Antihistamine (By mouth)

Introduction:

Treats hay fever and other allergies, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting, or other medical conditions.

Brand Name(s):

Zyrtec, Allegra, Palgic, Vistaril, Lodrane 24, Dytan, Zymine, Antivert/25, Antivert, Antivert/50, B-Vex, Benadryl, Claritin, Benadryl Allergy, Dramamine

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an unusual or allergic reaction to Chlor-Trimeton®, Dimetane®, Polaramine®, Actifed®, Tavist® or other antihistamines. You should not use this medicine if you have taken Furoxone®, Marplan®, Eutonyl®, Nardil®, or Matulane® within the last 2 weeks. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Dissolving Tablet, Fizzy Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Long Acting Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • You may take this medicine with food to lessen stomach upset.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet, extended-release capsule, or liquid-filled capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
  • The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it.
  • If you are using the disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. It should melt quickly. After the tablet has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You might need to shake the medicine before using it.

If a dose is missed:

  • May be taken as soon as possible.
  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store at room temperature, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Do not freeze.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
  • Avoid taking this medicine with other antihistamines.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any medicine that makes you sleepy, such as sedatives, narcotic pain killers, or antidepressants while you are receiving this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Ask your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma or trouble urinating.
  • This medicine might contain phenylalanine. This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
  • Side effects of this medicine may occur more frequently in young children and older adults.
  • Some antihistamine syrups contain alcohol.
  • This medicine may cause drowsiness. If it does, avoid driving a car or using machinery.
  • This medicine may cause a skin rash when you are out in the sun. Use a sunscreen when you are outside, and try not to spend long periods in direct sunlight.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Severe drowsiness, clumsiness, or confusion
  • Faintness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Drowsiness or dizziness
  • Upset stomach
  • Reduced appetite
  • Irritability or excitement
  • Nervousness
  • Changes in vision, such as trouble focusing
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