Tavegyl

Drug name: Tavegyl

Other names used:

• Allerhist-1®
• Tavist®
• Tavist Allergy®

Active Ingredients: Clemastine

Therapeutic actions: Clemastine is a selective histamine H1 antagonist. It binds to the histamine H1 receptor, thus blocking the action of endogenous histamine, which leads to temporary relief of the negative symptoms caused by histamine.

Indications: Clemastine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching watery eyes, hives, rashes, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold. Clemastine is may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Contraindications and cautions: Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Clemastine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking clemastine. Do not take clemastine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;
• a stomach ulcer;
• an enlarged prostate, bladder problems, or difficulty urinating;
• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
• hypertension or any type of heart problems; or
• asthma.

Adverse effects Stop taking clemastine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take clemastine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness;
• headache;
• dry mouth; or
• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Interactions: Do not take clemastine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Talk to your pharmacist before taking other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or insomnia medications. These may contain medicines similar to clemastine, which could lead to an overdose of antihistamine.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• anxiety or sleep medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion);
• medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil);
• any other medications that make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or relaxed.

drugs other than those listed here may also interact with clemastine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.