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$Title{AZATADINE}
$Subject{Optimine (Schering)}
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Optimine*0184201.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


AZATADINE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Optimine (Schering)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antihistamine
INGREDIENT:
     azatadine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (1 mg)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     This medication belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines
(antihistamines block the action of histamine, a chemical released by the body
during an allergic reaction).  It is, therefore, used to treat or prevent
symptoms of allergy.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach upset, you can take azatadine with food or with a full
glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, don't
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Confusion; constipation; diarrhea; difficult or painful urination;
dizziness; dry mouth, throat, or nose; headache; irritability; loss of
appetite; nausea; restlessness; ringing or buzzing in the ears; stomach upset;
or unusual increase in sweating.  These side effects should disappear as your
body adjusts to the medication.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor tells you not to do so).
     Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to
reduce mouth dryness.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
from a sitting or lying position slowly, 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
blurred vision, change in menstruation, clumsiness, feeling faint, fever,
flushing of the face, hallucinations, palpitations, rash, sleeping disorders,
seizures, shortness of breath, sore throat, tightness in the chest, unusual
bleeding or bruising, or unusual tiredness.

INTERACTIONS

     Azatadine interacts with other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of it with other central nervous system depressants
(such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle
relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or
with tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness.
     2. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (isocarboxazid, pargyline,
phenelzine, tranylcypromine) can increase the side effects of this medication.
At least 14 days should separate use of this drug and use of an MAO inhibitor.
     3. Azatadine can also decrease the activity of oral anti-coagulants
(blood thinners such as warfarin).
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
medications, especially to azatadine or any other antihistamine
(brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, cyproheptadine,
dexchlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, dimethindene, diphenhydramine,
diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, pyrilamine,
trimeprazine, tripelennamine, triprolidine).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma, blood
vessel disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, kidney disease, peptic ulcers,
enlarged prostate gland, or thyroid disease.
     * Azatadine can cause drowsiness or dizziness.  Your ability to perform
tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially
dangerous equipment, may be decreased.  Appropriate caution should, therefore,
be taken.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of
azatadine pass into breast milk and may cause unusual excitement or
irritability in nursing infants.

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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.
