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.

TERFENADINE - ORAL

(ter-FEN-uh-deen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Seldane

Uses

Terfenadine is an antihistamine which provides relief from symptoms of allergies such as rash, hives, watery eyes, runny runny nose, itching eyes and sneezing. This drug has been withdrawn from the U.S. market due to safety or effectiveness problems.

How To Use

Terfenadine may be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.

Side Effects

This medication may cause headache and mild stomach upset. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor should they persist. Unlikely, but notify your doctor immediately if you develop: stomach pain, light-colored stools, yellowing eyes or skin. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat. Terfenadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses and under normal circumstances. However, be sure of the drug's effects before engaging in activities that require alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, asthma or other lung disease, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate gland, heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, stomach ulcers, urinary tract blockage, kidney disease, drug allergies. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Because this medication appears in breast milk, consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor of all drugs you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of: erythromycin or drugs related to it (e.g., clarithromycin, troleandomycin), azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), mibefradil, protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, saquinavir), SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluvoxamine, sertraline), nefazodone, zileuton. Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not take terfenadine for several days before undergoing allergy testing because test results can be affected. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. 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 may include headache, nausea, confusion, irregular or fast heartbeat, fainting, and loss of consciousness.

Notes

Do not take this medication for several days before allergy testing since test results can be affected. Do not share this drug with others.

Missed Dose

If you are on a regular dosing schedule, take the missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).