Astemizole Hismanal Therapeutic Information & Side Effects (Withdrawn)
ASTEMIZOLE It is a long acting, non-sedative H, antagonist which does not cross the blood-brain barrier and hence unlike other anti-histaminics, does not cause side effects on central nervous system. Astemizole is, rather was available under the brand name Hismanal but it has now been withdrawn from the market.
Astemizole Hismanal is used in the treatment of Allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, in chronic allergic dermatological disorders and other delayed allergic reactions. The normal dosage for adults: 10 mg once daily before meals on an empty stomach with a maximum dosage of 30 mg once daily, continued for 7 days. Therafter a miantanence dosage of 10 mg daily. In Children: 2-6 yrs the dosage is 1 millilitre/5 kg body wt. For those in 6-12 yrs. The dosage is 5 mg once a day.
Contraindications of Astemizole Hismanal include hypersensitivity and Pregnancy. Special Precautions: This drug has to be given on empty stomach. Women of child bearing age should take adequate contraceptive measures during and several weeks after therapy.If given dyring Pregnancy it may affect the developing foetus and during lactation: Use only, if clearly indicated. Elderly: Dose adjustment may be required. Side-effects : Dry mouth, weight gain, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, flatulence, rarely rash and eczema. Drug Interaction: May Potentiate alcohol, MAOI’s, CNS depressants.
Several cases of serious cardiovascular adverse events including death, cardiac arrest, ventricular arrhythmias have been observed in patients exceeding recommended doses of astemizole hismanal. Mostly these have occurred following high overdoses of astemizole .Data suggest that these events are associated with elevation of astemizole and/ or astemizole metabolite levels, resulting in electrocardiographic qt prolongation. these events have also occurred at 10 mg daily in a few patients with possible augmenting circumstances. in view of the potential for cardiac arrhythmias, adherence to the recommended dose should be emphasized. do not exceed the recommended dose of 10 mg daily. some patients appear to increase the dose of hismanal (astemizole) tablets in an attempt to accelerate the onset of action. Patients should be advised not to do this and not to use astemizole hismanal for immediate relief of symptoms.
Tags: Astemizole, Hismanal