$Unique_ID{BRK02148}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{TERFENADINE}
$Subject{Seldane (Merrell Dow)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Seldane*0214801.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


TERFENADINE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Seldane (Merrell Dow)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antihistamine
INGREDIENT:
     terfenadine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (60 mg)
STORAGE:
     Terfenadine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.  The tablets should not be exposed to high temperatures
       (above 104 degrees_F), direct sunlight, or moisture during storage.

USES

     Terfenadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergy, including sneezing,
runny nose, itching, and tearing.  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.

TREATMENT

     Terfenadine can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
(unless your doctor directs otherwise).
     Terfenadine should be taken only as needed to control the symptoms of
allergy.
     If you miss a dose of this medication and you are taking it on a regular
schedule, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time
for your next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just
return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain; cough; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, or throat;
fatigue; headache; increased appetite; insomnia; nausea; nervousness;
nosebleeds; sore throat; sweating; vomiting; or weakness.  These side effects
should disappear as your body adjusts to this medication.
     To reduce mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or hard
candy.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
depression, hair loss, itching, menstrual disorders, muscle or bone pain,
nightmares, palpitations, shortness of breath, tingling of your fingers or
toes, tremors, urinary frequency, visual disturbances, or yellowing of the
skin or eyes.

INTERACTIONS

     Although it appears that terfenadine is not likely to interact with other
drugs, it is still very important to tell your doctor about all of the
medications you are taking before starting terfenadine.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to terfenadine.
     * Before starting terfenadine, tell your doctor if you now have or if you
have ever had asthma.
     * Terfenadine causes less drowsiness than other antihistamines.  However,
until you see how terfenadine affects you, be cautious about performing tasks
that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially
dangerous machinery.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although terfenadine
appears to be safe in animals, safety in human pregnancy has not been
established.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  The
effects of terfenadine on nursing infants are not yet known.

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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.
