Clemastine fumarate
Clemastine fumarate (Tavist)
Clemastine fumarate
(kleh- MAS-teen)
Pregnancy Category: B Antihist-1 (OTC) Tavist (Rx)

Classification: Antihistamine

See Also: See also Antihistamines.

Action/Kinetics: Moderate sedative effects, high anticholinergic activity, and moderate to high antiemetic effects. Peak blood levels: 2-4 hr. Peak effects: 5-7 hr. Duration: 10-12 hr (up to 24 hr in some clients). Metabolized in the liver and excreted through the urine.

Uses: Allergic rhinitis. Urticaria and angioedema.

Contraindications: Use in newborns or premature infants. Lactation. Treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms, including asthma. Use with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

Special Concerns: Use with caution in clients with narrow angle glaucoma, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy, and bladder neck obstruction. Use with caution in clients 60 years of age and older and in those with a history of bronchial asthma, increased intraocular pressure, hyperthyroidism, CV disease, and hypertension. Safety and efficacy have not been determined in children less than 12 years of age.

Side Effects: CNS: Drowsiness (common), sedation, sleepiness, dizziness, incoordination, fatigue, confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, euphoria, paresthesia, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus, acute labyrinthitis, hysteria, neuritis, convulsions. GI: Epigastric distress, anorexia, N&V;, diarrhea, constipation. CV: Hypotension, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, extrasystoles. Respiratory: Thickening of bronchial secretions, tightness of chest, wheezing, nasal stuffiness. Hematologic: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis. GU: Urinary frequency, difficulty in urination, urinary retention, early menses.

How Supplied: Syrup: 0.5 mg/5 mL; Tablets: 1.34 mg, 2.68 mg.

Dosage
?Syrup, Tablets Allergic rhinitis.
Adults and children over 12 years of age, initial: 1.34 mg (1 mg clemastine) b.i.d., up to a maximum dose of 8.04 mg (60 mL of syrup or 6 tablets) daily. Children, aged 6 to 12 years of age, initial: 0.67 mg (0.5 mg clemastine) b.i.d., up to a maximum of 4.02 mg (3 mg) daily. Use only the syrup in children.
Urticaria and angioedema.
Adults and children over 12 years of age, initial: 2.68 mg (use tablet) 1-3 times/day, not to exceed 8.04 mg (6 tablets) daily. Children, aged 6 to 12 years, initial: 1.34 mg (use syrup only) b.i.d., not to exceed 4.02 mg daily.