Clemastine
Meclastin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Clemastine
Clestamine is an antiallergic drug belonging to the group of antihistamines. Also, it is known for its anticholinergic properties.
Most commonly, Clestamine is used to suppress allergic reactions. The drug’s effect lies in blocking histamine H1 which is released in the body due to exposure to allergenic substances and agents, such as dust, pollen, fur, feathers. These factors can result in various nasty symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, cough, watery eyes, skin rash, blisters, reddening, itching.
In some people, allergens trigger more severe reactions, such as swelling of the face, tongue and limbs, shortness of breath. These can be extremely dangerous and therefore require immediate assistance.
In case of a serious allergy, proper and timely suppression of histamines in the body by aid of drugs like Clemastine can be very helpful and even life-saving.
Clemastine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and it takes 2-4 hours for the plasma concentration to reach peak level.
Therapeutic Uses of Clemastine
Clestamine is used to treat symptoms of allergies, such as cough, runny nose, watery eyes, skin problems, breathing difficulties, swelling, etc.
Direction of use of Clemastine
Clemastine is an over-the-counter drug. It is available in tablet form and as a syrup.
Although Clemastine does not require prescription, it is still advisable to consult a doctor before using it. It is imperative that you read the leaflet instruction very carefully before taking the drug.
It does not matter much if you take it prior to or after dinner. The most important thing is that it is recommended to take Clemastime twice daily. Please, schedule the regime in such a way that you take the drug at the same time each day and try to keep to the schedule for as long as you use the drug. Try not to miss a single dose.
Dose of Clemastine, if Missed
Consult your doctor on dosage and follow his/her recommendations strictly. Do not exceed the dose. If you have missed your next dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next scheduled dose, do not compensate the missed dose by taking a double one. This can trigger adverse reactions.
How to Store Clemastine
Store Clemastine in a dry and cool place. Make sure it is kept out of the reach of young children. Keep the drug away from direct sunlight. Do not expose it to heat or moist. Do not keep Clemastine in the kitchen or bathroom.
Do not take expired tablets or syrup. Do not flush it down the toilet or pour it into the sink. Contact your local waste disposal organization and have it discarded professionally.
More Information About Clemastine
If you are on the point of using Clestamine, there are a few must-know things for both you and your doctor. Please, consult your physician and submit your health record. Discuss with him/her all the chronic or acute diseases, if any, you have experienced so far. Pay attention to the drugs, if any, you are using or have used recently. Make sure they are compatible with Clestamine and will not affect your condition.
If you are in for a dental or any other kind of surgery, tell the doctor that you are using Clemastine.
Clemastine has several brand names, which vary geographically. For example, in Germany it is sold as Tavegil, in Brazil – Agasten by Novartis; in Turkey – Tavegyl by Novartis; in Sweden it is sold as a prescription drug, branded as Tavegyl.
Precautions to be Taken While Using Clemastine
Clemastine often causes drowsiness! For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you abstain from driving or operating machinery, if you feel like the drug has affected your condition. Do not combine Clemastine with alcohol or other sedatives. This may cause your alertness and concentration to fall dramatically.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant, consult your healthcare provider before using Clemastine.
If you have glaucoma, gastritis, ulcers, asthma, renal disorders, hypertension, prostatic hyperplasia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alzheimer’s disease, discuss it with your doctor.
Clemastine can make your skin more sensitive to solar radiation with the possibility of burns. Please, do not take sunbaths or visit tanning saloons while using this drug.
If you see any symptoms, which you think are due to the use of Clemastine, contact your doctor immediately. If you overdose, call your doctor and seek emergency medical assistance.
Possible Adverse Effects
Even though Clemastine is relatively safe, there is no one-hundred-percent guarantee that there will be no side effects. For the most part, these reactions occur at the starting point and subside as you follow your treatment course.
The most common Clemastine-related reactions include fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, lack of concentration, hallucinations, twitching, headache, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth and tremors. In case of overdose, these symptoms may become dangerously severe.