Overview
DESCRIPTION Each 5 mL (teaspoonful) of Clemastine Fumarate Syrup for oral administration contains clemastine 0.5 mg (present as clemastine fumarate 0.67 mg). Other ingredients: Alcohol 5.5%, Flavors, Maleic Acid, Methylparaben, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Purified Water, Saccharin Sodium, Sodium Hydroxide, and Sorbitol.
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Clemastine fumarate is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative side effects. Antihistamines competitively antagonize various physiological effects of histamine including increased capillary permeability and dilatation, the formation of edema, the "flare" and "itch" response, and gastrointestinal and respiratory smooth muscle constriction. Within the vascular tree, H1-receptor antagonists inhibit both the vasoconstrictor and vasodilator effects of histamine. Depending on the dose, H1-receptor antagonists can produce CNS stimulation or depression. Most antihistamines exhibit central and/or peripheral anticholinergic activity. Antihistamines act by competitively blocking H1-receptor sites.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clemastine Fumarate Syrup is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, pruritus and lacrimation. Clemastine Fumarate Syrup is indicated for use in pediatric populations (age 6 years through 12) and adults (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). It should be noted that clemastine is indicated for the relief of mild uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema at the 2 mg dosage level only.
Common Doses
- 0.5 mg
- 2.25 mg
- 3 mg
- 1 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION DOSAGE SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT. Pediatric Children aged 6 to 12 years For Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis The starting dose is 1 teaspoonful (0.5 mg clemastine) twice daily. Since single doses of up to 2.25 mg clemastine were well tolerated by this age group, dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 6 teaspoonfuls daily (3 mg clemastine). For Urticaria and Angioedema The starting dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (1 mg clemastine) twice daily, not to exceed 6 teaspoonfuls daily (3 mg clemastine).
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Antihistamines are contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the drug or to other antihistamines of similar chemical structure (see PRECAUTIONS- Drug Interactions ). Antihistamines should not be used in newborn or premature infants . Because of the higher risk of antihistamines for infants generally and for newborns and prematures in particular, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers (see PRECAUTIONS-Nursing Mothers ).
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequent adverse reactions are italicized: Nervous System Sedation , sleepiness , dizziness , disturbed coordination , fatigue, confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, euphoria, paresthesia, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus, acute labyrinthitis, hysteria, neuritis, convulsions. Gastrointestinal System Epigastric distress , anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation. Respiratory System Thickening of bronchial secretions , tightness of chest and wheezing, nasal stuffiness.
Interactions
- Drug Interactions Additive CNS depression may occur when antihistamines are administered concomitantly with other CNS depressants including barbiturates, tranquilizers, and alcohol. Patients receiving antihistamines should be advised against the concurrent use of other CNS depressant drugs. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of antihistamines.