Sometimes, your whole body suddenly turns red and itches, your nose starts to run, you sneeze, your eyes get red and watery... Have you ever had symptoms of an allergy like this? In such a situation, when you go to see a doctor, he or she may prescribe you a syrup called Clemastine. So today, let's talk about what Clemastine is and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is this Clemastine?
Simply put, Clemastine is an antihistamine . When our body has an allergy, a chemical called "Histamine" is produced in our body. This chemical called histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of itching, watery eyes, and red eyes. What Clemastine does is stop the action of that histamine.
The most important thing is that this is a medicine that controls the symptoms of an allergy, not a medicine that cures any kind of infection. That means it cannot treat a bacterial or viral infection.
The most important things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you Clemastine syrup, it is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. If you have any of the following medical conditions, be sure to inform your doctor .
- If you have glaucoma ( a condition in which there is high pressure in the eye).
- If you have high blood pressure or other heart disease.
- If you have lung diseases or breathing difficulties, such as asthma .
- If you have difficulty urinating or bladder problems.
- If you have stomach problems (e.g. stomach ulcers).
- If you have used MAOI medications (a type of medication used to treat conditions such as depression) within the past 14 days .
- If you have an allergy to clemastine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a liquid medicine, that is, a syrup. So consider these points when using it.
- Correct measurement: Always use the special measuring cup, spoon, or dropper that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons , as they are not accurate. If you do not have one, ask your doctor about it.
- On time: Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- When given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed to children over 6 years of age. However, you should talk to your pediatrician about it and follow his or her instructions exactly.
- Elderly (over 60 years of age): If an elderly person takes this medicine, they may feel the effects of it a little stronger. Therefore, they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose) - This is an emergency!
If you think you have taken too much medicine, treat this as an emergency . Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What are the things you should not use with Clemastine?
Some medications can have dangerous side effects when taken with this, so be aware of this.
| Drug Interactions | |
|---|---|
| Never take Clemastine with these medications: | |
| MAOI-type medications (a type of medication used to treat mental illnesses such as depression) | |
| Taking Clemastine with these things may cause side effects (seek medical advice): | |
| Alcohol | It greatly increases drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Sleeping pills and tranquilizers | Drowsiness and confusion may increase. |
| Muscle relaxants | Increases drowsiness. |
| Painkillers (especially morphine) | Excessive drowsiness and breathing difficulties may occur. |
| Other cold or allergy medications | Side effects (drowsiness, dry mouth) may increase. |
Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking. Also, tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a sitting position. Get up slowly.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness worse.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, or drinking small amounts of water frequently.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: Your eyes may feel dry and your vision may be a little blurry. This can be uncomfortable if you wear contact lenses. Using lubricating drops can help.
- Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be a little sensitive to sunlight while taking this medication. So avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If you go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Clemastine can have side effects. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Characteristic | Description |
| Severe allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, rapid breathing. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, double vision. |
| Mental changes | Confusion, restlessness, agitation. |
| Heartbeat | Fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Other severe symptoms | Convulsions, tremors, difficulty urinating, difficulty walking, unusual fatigue. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation or diarrhea, stomach upset, vomiting, loss of appetite. |
| Dry mouth, nose, throat | This is common. |
| Other features | Headache, phlegm, sweating. |
Take-Home Message
- Clemastine is a medication that controls the symptoms of an allergy. It is not a treatment for infections.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Always use the correct measuring cup that comes with the medicine to measure it. Never double the dose.
- Avoid driving and other activities that require alertness as this medication may cause drowsiness. Avoid drinking alcohol completely.
- If you experience severe side effects (difficulty breathing, facial swelling, seizures) or if you take too much medicine, go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.
- Keep the medicine out of the reach of children, at room temperature, away from sunlight and heat. Throw away after expiration date.
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