Why is this drug prescribed?

Tavist is an antihistamine. Both Tavist and Tavist-1 are used in treatment of the sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes caused by hay fever. Tavist Tablets also relieve mild allergic skin reactions such as hives and swelling. Antihistamines reduce itching and swelling and dry up secretions from the eyes, nose, and throat.

Most important fact about this drug

Tavist may cause drowsiness. Be especially careful driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how you react to this medication.

How should you take this medication?

Tavist should be taken exactly as prescribed.

Tavist may make your mouth dry. Sucking hard candy, chewing gum, or melting bits of ice in your mouth can provide relief.

--If you miss a dose...

If you are taking this medication on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight. Keep container tightly closed.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Tavist.

• More common side effects may include:
  Disturbed coordination, dizziness, drowsiness, extreme calm (sedation), increased chest congestion, sleepiness, upset stomach

• Less common or rare side effects may include:
  Acute inflammation of the inner ear, anemia, blurred vision, chills, confusion, constipation, convulsions, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, difficulty urinating, double vision, dry mouth, nose, and throat, early menstruation, exaggerated sense of well-being, excessive perspiration, excitement, fatigue, frequent urination, headache, hives, hysteria, inability to urinate, irregular heartbeat, irritability, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, nausea, nerve inflammation, nervousness, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, restlessness, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock), stuffy nose, tightness of chest, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, wheezing

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

Do not take Tavist if you are breastfeeding. Also avoid this drug if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to clemastine fumarate or similar antihistamines.

Special warnings about this medication

Use antihistamines very cautiously if you have the eye condition known as narrow-angle glaucoma, a peptic ulcer, intestinal blockage, a bladder obstruction, or an enlarged prostate. Antihistamines can make these problems worse.

Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sedation, and low blood pressure in the elderly (over age 60).

Use Tavist with care if you have a history of bronchial asthma, heart disease, circulatory problems, an overactive thyroid, or high blood pressure.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Tavist may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol--or at least limit your use--while taking this medication.

If Tavist is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tavist with the following:

Drugs known as MAO inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil, and Parnate
Sleeping pills such as Nembutal and Seconal
Tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Tavist during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Tavist should not be used if you are breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage

TAVIST-1 TABLETS

The recommended starting dose is 1 tablet twice daily. Your doctor may increase the dose to a maximum of 6 tablets daily.

TAVIST TABLETS

The maximum recommended dosage is 1 tablet 3 times daily. Many people do well on a single dose. You should take no more than 3 tablets daily.

TAVIST SYRUP

ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND OLDER

For Symptoms of Hay Fever

The starting dose of Tavist Syrup is 2 teaspoonfuls (1 milligram) 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase the dosage, but it should not be more than 12 teaspoonfuls (6 milligrams) daily.

For Hives and Swelling

The starting dose of Tavist Syrup is 4 teaspoonfuls (2 milligrams) twice a day; you should not take more than 12 teaspoonfuls (6 milligrams) daily.

CHILDREN 6 THROUGH 11

For Symptoms of Hay Fever

The starting dose of Tavist Syrup is 1 teaspoonful (0.5 milligram) 2 times per day. Your doctor may increase the dosage to a maximum of 6 teaspoonfuls (3 milligrams) daily.

For Hives and Swelling

The starting dose of Tavist Syrup is 2 teaspoonfuls (1 milligram) twice a day, not to exceed 6 teaspoonfuls (3 milligrams) daily.

Overdosage

An overdose of Tavist can be fatal, especially in children. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of Tavist overdose may include:
  Coma, drowsiness, severe heart problems

• Symptoms of Tavist overdose in children may include:
  Bluish color to the skin, coma, convulsions, dry mouth, excitement, fever, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, hallucinations, high body temperature, severe heart problems, slow twisting movements of hand and arms, tremors, twitching, uncoordinated movements