Find & Manage Your Patient Assistance Programs
Estimated patient savings $600,000,000.00
POLY HIST FORTE
ANTIHISTAMINES WITH DECONGESTANTS - ORAL LONG ACTING

Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

ANTIHISTAMINES WITH DECONGESTANTS - ORAL LONG ACTING

Uses

Antihistamines provide relief of symptoms of allergies such as rash, hives, watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes and sneezing. Decongestants relieve congestion, promote sinus draining and improve breathing.

How To Use

May be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. Sustained-release or long acting tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole. Chewing or crushing them will destroy the long action and may increase side effects. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. If symptoms do not improve after 7 days or are accompanied by a high fever, notify your doctor. Do not increase the dose or take this more frequently than recommended.

Side Effects

May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, blurred vision, restlessness, irritability and dry mouth and nose. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, ringing in the ears, difficulty urinating. May cause dizziness especially when rising quickly from a seated or lying position. Change positions slowly and be careful on stairs. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: asthma, glaucoma, diabetes, ulcers, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, overactive thyroid gland. Check this product's ingredient list for phenylpropanolamine (PPA). The FDA has issued warnings regarding PPA side effects. Consult your pharmacist promptly if it contains PPA or if you are uncertain this product has PPA. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Check other medicines you take for duplications. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Do not give extended-release tablets to a child younger than 12 years of age unless directed to do so by a doctor.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially medication for: high blood pressure, seizures, depression. Tell your doctor if you use any medications that make you drowsy such as: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain medication (e.g., codeine), other cold or allergy drugs. Do not take this drug if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within the last two weeks. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose in children may include dizziness, nausea/vomiting, abnormal eye movements, flushed face, dry mouth, change in amount of urine, fever, excitation, agitation, unconsciousness, bizarre behavior, confusion, restlessness, irritability, delirium, twitching, tiredness, abnormal tongue movement, trembling extremities, slurred speech, or seizures. Symptoms of overdose in adults may include nausea/vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, or unconsciousness, which may be followed by excitement or seizures.

Notes

Do not share this product with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.