TERFENADINE

Brand & Generic Names

Seldane
Seldane D

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? U.S.: Yes Canada: No
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antihistamine, H1-receptor antagonist

Uses

Reduces allergic symptoms such as hay fever, hives, rash or itching. Less likely to cause drowsiness than most other antihistamines.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with water or food to lessen stomach irritation.
Oral suspension--Take as directed on package.

When to take:
Follow prescription instructions.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. lf more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Blocks effects of histamine, a chemical produced by the body as a result of contact with an allergen.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 2 hours; maximum effect at 3 to 4 hours.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Headache, nausea, confusion, heart rhythm disturbance.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

• Nausea, vomiting, sore throat, itching.
• Fatigue, headache, dizziness, weakness.

Rare:

• Swollen lips. difficult breathing
• Irregular heartbeat, nightmares, frequent urination, wheezing.
• Thinning hair.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to terfenadine.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have liver disease.
• If you are allergic to other antihistamines.
• If you have an enlarged prostrate or glaucoma.
• If patient is under age 12.
• If you are allergic to any substance or any medicine.
• If you are pregnant or expect to become pregnant.
• If you have asthma.
• If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.
• If you plan to have skin tests for allergies.

Over age 60:
Don't exceed recommended dose. Take only on advice of your doctor.

Pregnancy:
Safety not established. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug may pass into milk although this has not been proven. Consult doctor for advice on using while breast feeding.

Infants & children:
Safety and effectiveness in children under age 12 have not been established.

Prolonged use:
Take only on advice of your doctor.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Sedation and dizziness are less likely to occur with terfenadine than with other antihistamines.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Carteolol	Decreased antihistamine effect.
Erythromycins*	Life-threatening heartbeat
	irregularity. Avoid.
Itraconazole	Life-threatening heartbeat
	irregularity. Avoid.
Ketaconazole	Life-threatening heartbeat
	irregularity. Avoid.
Nabilone	Greater depression of central
	nervous system.
Sotalol	Increased antihistamine effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WlTH	COMBINED EFFECT
Alcohol:	Possible oversedation.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Decreased terfenadine effect.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.