What is clemastine and phenylpropanolamine?
Clemastine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine
in the body. Clemastine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of
allergies and hay fever.
Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and
arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing)
passages to open up.
Clemastine and phenylpropanolamine is used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis
(inflammation of the sinuses) associated with allergies and hay fever.
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk
of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may
also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Clemastine and phenylpropanolamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in
this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clemastine and phenylpropanolamine?
Do not take clemastine and phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in
the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
You may not be able to take clemastine and phenylpropanolamine, or you
may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the
conditions listed above.
Clemastine and phenylpropanolamine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that
it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if
you are pregnant.
This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from
clemastine and phenylpropanolamine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a
child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may
have unusual reactions. Clemastine and phenylpropanolamine is not approved for use by children
younger than 12 years of age.
How should I take clemastine and phenylpropanolamine?
Take clemastine and phenylpropanolamine exactly as directed. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially
formulated to release slowly over 12 hours.
Do not take more than one tablet every 12 hours. If one tablet per day controls your
symptoms, use that dosage. Never take more than two tablets in 1 day. Taking too much of this
medication could cause severe dizziness, insomnia, and nervousness.
Do not take clemastine and phenylpropanolamine for longer than 7 days in a row. If your
symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.
Store clemastine and phenylpropanolamine at room temperature away from moisture and
heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of clemastine and phenylpropanolamine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
take a
double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about clemastine and phenylpropanolamine?
Your pharmacist has information about clemastine and phenylpropanolamine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of clemastine and phenylpropanolamine?
Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking clemastine and phenylpropanolamine
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
phenylpropanolamine and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication 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 clemastine and phenylpropanolamine?
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk
of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may
also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Clemastine and phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
clemastine and phenylpropanolamine.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve,
or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking clemastine and phenylpropanolamine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Clemastine and phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
clemastine and phenylpropanolamine.
What other drugs will affect clemastine and phenylpropanolamine?
Do not take clemastine and phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in
the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking
clemastine and phenylpropanolamine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other
medications may also contain clemastine, phenylpropanolamine, or other similar drugs. You may
accidentally take too much of these medicines.
Clemastine and phenylpropanolamine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause
drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines,
seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if
clemastine and phenylpropanolamine is taken with any of these medications.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with clemastine and phenylpropanolamine.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of clemastine and phenylpropanolamine?
