Clemastine
About Clemastine
Clemastine belongs to a class of medicines called antihistamines, which are used to treat allergic reactions like allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Allergic rhinitis is a type of inflammation in the nose that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Urticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly, either due to the body's reaction to certain allergens or for unknown reasons.
Clemastine contains clemastine, which belongs to a class of medicines called 'antihistamines.' These medicines are used in the treatment of allergic reactions like allergic rhinitis and urticaria. They work by blocking the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for inflammation, congestion, itching, and other allergic reactions.
Clemastine should be taken as advised by your doctor. It can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in vision. These side effects resolve on their own. If they persist, stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor.
You should not take Clemastine if you are allergic to Clemastine. Tell your doctor about other medicines you use other than the Clemastine. Do not use Clemastine without the advice of your doctor. Clemastine should be used with caution if you are pregnant/breastfeeding. Clemastine used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, galactose intolerance, stenosing peptic ulcers ( painful sores in the stomach lining, oesophagus, or small intestine), prostatic-hypertrophy, epilepsy and asthma.
Uses of Clemastine
Medicinal Benefits
Clemastine contains 'clemastine', belonging to a class of medicines called 'anti-histamines', which are used to treat allergic reactions like allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It works by blocking the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for inflammation, congestion, itching and other allergic reactions. It is also used to treat angioedema (Painless swelling under the skin, triggered by an allergy to animal dander, pollen, drugs, venom, food or medication).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Clemastine
- Dizziness and Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Headache
- Changes in vision
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
Drug Warnings
You should not take Clemastine if you are allergic to Clemastine. Tell your doctor about other medicines which you are using other than the Clemastine. Do not use Clemastine without the advice of your doctor. Clemastine should be used with caution if you are pregnant/breastfeeding. Clemastine used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, galactose-intolerance, stenosing peptic ulcers ( painful sores in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine), prostatic-hypertrophy, epilepsy and asthma.Clemastine is used with caution in patients like bladder neck obstruction,porpyria. Clemastine is not recommended for use in newborns and premature infants due to the increased risk of serious side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Clemastine has interactions with carbonic-anhydrase inhibitors (topiramate), anticholinergics (ipratropium-bromide, atropine), CNS-depressant (sodium oxybate), leukotriene receptor antagonist (zafirlukast), benzodiazepines (alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide), anti-vertigo (betahistine) cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine) or other antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine) and MAO inhibitors (phenelzine. selegiline)
Drug-Food Interactions: Alcohol and St John's wort plant (a plant used as an anti-depressant) should not be used along with Clemastine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Clemastine is contraindicated in epilepsy (fits), urinary bladder problem, galactose-intolerance, prostatic hypertrophy, peptic ulcers, porphyria and narrow-angle glaucoma.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and difficulty in concentration. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness, like driving a vehicle or operating machinery, if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
Pregnancy
cautionClemastine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionClemastine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Driving
cautionClemastine may decrease your alertness and vision or make you sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur. Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.
Liver
cautionClemastine should be used with caution if you have liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking Clemastine.
Kidney
cautionClemastine is probably safe to use if you have kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking Clemastine.
Children
cautionClemastine can be used with caution in children only if the doctor advises. However, it is not prescribed in neonates.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose and sneezing.
- Stress affects the immune system and raises the risk of illness. To relieve stress, individuals can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques.
- To stay fit and safe, try to sleep 7-9 hours each night.
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies to you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Special Advise
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies to you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergic rhinitis: When the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air, allergic rhinitis, a type of nasal inflammation, results. Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy, and watery eyes, as well as swelling around the eyes, are signs and symptoms of this condition. Dust mites, pollen, spores, animal skin, urine, and saliva are among the most common airborne allergens that cause rhinitis.
Urticaria: Hives, or urticaria, are sudden outbreaks of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that can occur as a result of an immune system reaction to certain allergens or for unknown causes. The skin's surface may develop welts that are itchy, raised, red, or skin-coloured.
FAQs
Clemastine is used to treat allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
Depending upon the severity of allergic conditions due to allergens Clemastine can be safely taken daily or as long as your doctor has advised you to take it.
Clemastine is an antihistamine providing instant relief from allergic conditions however, in some people it may cause sleepiness and induce some drowsiness in the day.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take Clemastine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Clemastine cause common side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, dryness in mouth, changes in vision. These side effects resolves on it own. If it persists,stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor.
Clemastine works by blocking the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for inflammation, congestion, itching and other allergic reactions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Clemastine due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty in concentration.
Clemastine starts working within 2-3 hours, with the maximum effect kicking in around 5-7 hours after taking the dose. Complete the course of treatment as prescribed by the doctor to get maximum benefits of Clemastine.
Do not exceed the recommended dose as prescribed by your doctor as it may cause an overdose. Overdose symptoms of Clemastine may include difficulty in breathing, changes in vision, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms consult your doctor immediately.
