$Unique_ID{BRK01837}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{ASTEMIZOLE}
$Subject{Hismanal (Janssen)}
$Volume{}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


ASTEMIZOLE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Hismanal (Janssen)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antihistamine
INGREDIENT:
     astemizole
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (10 mg)
STORAGE:
     Store this medication in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place,
       away from heat or direct light, and out of the reach of children.

USES

     Astemizole is indicated for the treatment of the allergic symptoms of
conditions such as hay fever or hives.  It belongs to a group of drugs known
as antihistamines, which act by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical
that is released by the body during an allergic reaction.  It may be useful in
patients unable to tolerate side effects, such as sedation, that other
antihistamines may produce.

TREATMENT

     Astemizole should be taken only as needed, and the prescribed dose should
not be exceeded.
     Because food significantly impairs the absorption of this medication, the
drug should be taken on an empty stomach, at least two hours after a meal.  No
additional food should be taken for at least an hour after a dose is taken.
     It may take up to two days for astemizole to achieve its full therapeutic
effect.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, headache, increased
appetite, nervousness, increased sensitivity to sunlight, or weight gain.
     To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or hard
candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  It is ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction such as shortness of breath or rash.

INTERACTIONS

     Although clinical studies with astemizole have not shown significant
interactions with depressants, such as alcohol or diazepam, it is important to
be aware of the possibility of interactions.  BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about all medications you are taking before starting astemizole.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medication, especially to astemizole.  Although astemizole is a
less-sedating antihistamine, some patients may be more sensitive to its
effects.  Until you are familiar with how astemizole affects you, be
especially cautious in performing tasks that require alertness, such as
driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Tell your physician of any known liver ailments.  Patients with
diseases of the liver may not eliminate astemizole as rapidly as those with
normal liver function.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant.  The safety of astemizole in pregnant women has not been
established.  In animal studies in which administered doses of astemizole
exceeded dosage levels used in humans, an increased incidence of low birth
weight and risk of infant death was noted.  Since breakdown products of the
drug may remain in the body for up to four months after use, this fact should
be taken into consideration if pregnancy is being planned.
     * Because babies are more sensitive to the side effects of
antihistamines, such as excitement or irritability, astemizole is not
recommended in nursing mothers until its effects upon infants are more fully
established.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
