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Common uses
This medicine is an
antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies such as
runny or itchy nose; sneezing; itchy throat; and watery, itchy, or
red eyes. This medicine may also be used to treat hives and other
conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Additional monitoring
of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking antacids
containing aluminum and magnesium, or st. John's wort.
Do not start or stop
any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your
doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney disease,
heart problems (qt prolongation), allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions
for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine is
usually taken by mouth twice daily. This medicine may be taken on an
empty stomach or with food. Do not take antacids (containing aluminum
or magnesium) within 2 hours of taking this medicine. Antacids can
decrease the absorption of this medicine.
Store this medicine at
room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat,
moisture, and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as
soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take
2 doses at once.
Cautions
Do not increase your
dose or take more of this medicine than prescribed without checking
with your doctor. This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive,
operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until
you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone,
with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to
drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit
alcoholic beverages.
This includes any
medicines which contain additional antihistamines. This medicine may
interfere with allergy test results. Check with your doctor for
instruction on how long you will need to stop taking this medicine
prior to those tests. Caution is advised when using this medicine in
the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this
medicine. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with
your doctor the benefits and the risks of using this medicine during
pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk.
If you are or will be breast-feeding while using this medicine, check
with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side
effects
Side effects, that may
go away during treatment, include stomach upset, menstrual cramps,
back pain, cough, fever, stuffy nose, earache, or dizziness. If they
continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. An allergic
reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash,
itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
If you take
too much
If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual drowsiness.
Additional
information
Carry an
identification card at all times that says you are taking this
medicine. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse,
contact your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom
it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health
conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills
before your supply runs out.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can
result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its
job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. |