What is astemizole?
Astemizole was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1999.
Astemizole is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and
watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms.
Astemizole is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory
conditions.
Astemizole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking astemizole?
You cannot take astemizole if you are taking any of the following medicines:
-
an antifungal drug including ketoconazole (Nizoral) or
itraconazole (Sporanox);
-
an antibiotic including erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin,
Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or troleandomycin (TAO);
-
the malaria medicine quinine (Quinamm); or
-
the medicine nefazodone (Serzone).
A dangerous side effect involving irregular heartbeats could occur if
you take astemizole with any of the medicines listed above.
Before taking astemizole, tell your doctor if you have
-
asthma or another lung disease;
-
low potassium levels in your blood;
-
urinary retention or an enlarged prostate;
-
kidney disease;
-
liver disease; or
-
heart disease, especially an irregular heartbeat.
You may not be able to take astemizole, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Astemizole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether astemizole will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether astemizole passes into breast milk. Do not take
astemizole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take astemizole?
Take astemizole once a day as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Take astemizole on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Do not take astemizole with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit products may
increase amount of astemizole available in your body, which could lead to dangerous side effects.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole.
Never take more of this medication than is directed by your doctor. Larger than prescribed
doses of astemizole may result in irregular heartbeats, and rarely, death. If your symptoms are not
being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.
Store astemizole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of astemizole?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do
not
take a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about astemizole?
Your pharmacist has information about astemizole written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of astemizole?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking astemizole and
call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take astemizole and talk to your doctor if you experience
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.
What is the most important information I should know about astemizole?
Astemizole was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1999.
Do not take astemizole (Hismanal) with any of the following medicines: antifungal
drugs such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox); antibiotics such as
erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and troleandomycin (TAO);
the malaria medicine quinine (Quinamm); or the medicine nefazodone (Serzone).
Take astemizole on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating food.
Do not take astemizole with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit products may
increase amount of astemizole available in your body, which could lead to dangerous side effects.
What should I avoid while taking astemizole?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Astemizole 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 astemizole.
Do not take astemizole with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit products may
increase amount of astemizole available in your body, which could lead to dangerous side effects.
What other drugs will affect astemizole?
You cannot take astemizole if you are taking any of the following medicines:
-
an antifungal drug including ketoconazole (Nizoral) or
itraconazole (Sporanox);
-
an antibiotic including erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin,
Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or troleandomycin (TAO);
-
the malaria medicine quinine (Quinamm); or
-
the medicine nefazodone (Serzone).
A dangerous side effect involving irregular heartbeats could occur if
you take astemizole with any of the medicines listed above.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
-
an antifungal including fluconazole (Diflucan), miconazole
(Monistat), or metronidazole (Flagyl);
-
a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) including
fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft);
-
a protease inhibitor including amprenavir (Agenerase),
ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), or nelfinavir
(Viracept); or
-
zileuton (Zyflo).
You may not be able to take astemizole, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines
listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with astemizole. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of astemizole?