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.