Clemastine Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Clemastine

Generic name: clemastine [ CLEM-as-teen ]
Brand names: Tavist Allergy, Tavist, Tavist-1, Allerhist-1, Dailyhist-1, Contac 12 Hour Allergy, Dayhist Allergy
Dosage forms: oral syrup (0.67 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (1.34 mg; 2.68 mg)
Drug class: Antihistamines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 7, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is clemastine?

Clemastine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Clemastine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.

Clemastine is may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use clemastine if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use clemastine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

- bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;

- an ulcer or obstruction in the stomach;

- glaucoma; or

- an enlarged prostate, urination problems.

This medicine is not expected to cause harm to an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

Clemastine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines may also slow breast milk production. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 without medical advice.

## How should I take clemastine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. This medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Clemastine can be taken with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Since clemastine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while taking clemastine?

clemastine may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking clemastine.

## Clemastine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of clemastine may include:

- drowsiness;

- blurred vision; or

- feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Clemastine side effects (more detail)

## Clemastine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day.

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:

Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Reaction:

Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Reaction:

< 6 years:
0.335 to 0.67 mg/day orally divided into 2 or 3 doses. Maximum daily dose is 1.34 mg.
6 to 12 years:
0.67 to 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Maximum daily dose is 4.02 mg.
> 12 years:
Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

< 6 years:
0.335 to 0.67 mg/day orally divided into 2 or 3 doses. Maximum daily dose is 1.34 mg.
6 to 12 years:
0.67 to 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Maximum daily dose is 4.02 mg.
> 12 years:
Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:

< 6 years:
0.335 to 0.67 mg/day orally divided into 2 or 3 doses. Maximum daily dose is 1.34 mg.
6 to 12 years:
0.67 to 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Maximum daily dose is 4.02 mg.
> 12 years:
Initial dose: 1.34 mg orally twice a day. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 2.68 mg orally 3 times a day.

Detailed Clemastine dosage information

## What other drugs will affect clemastine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using clemastine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking clemastine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Clemastine drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about clemastine

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (3)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antihistamines
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

#### Other brands

Tavist Allergy

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Allergic Reactions
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Urticaria

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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