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Seldane

Generic name: terfenadine [ ter-FEN-a-deen ]

Drug class: Antihistamines

Be aware of:

Seldane was pulled off the U.S. market in 1998.

Do not use Seldane in conjunction with any of the following medications The antifungal medications ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox) and those with antibiotic properties erythromycin (E.E.S. E-Mycin and Ery-Tab) and clarithromycin (Biaxin) as well azithromycin (Zithromax) and the medication for ulcers, Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB). A risky drug interaction may be a possibility.

What is Seldane?

Seldane was pulled out of Seldane's U.S. market in 1998. Seldane can be described as an antihistamine. Antihistamines stop sneezing, itching, a runny nose and eye watering and other allergic symptoms. Seldane is used to manage hives, allergies (urticaria) and other inflammatory allergic conditions. Seldane is also used for reasons other than those described in this guideline for medication.

Not for:

You should not use Seldane in the event that you're taking one of these medications:

  • Ketoconazole, an antifungal drug (Nizoral) (also known as Itraconazole) (Sporanox);

  • These anti-biotics erythromycin (E.E.S. E-Mycin, EryTab) or clarithromycin (Biaxin) and azithromycin (Zithromax) as well as

  • Cimetidine, the drug used to treat ulcers (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).

A risky side effect of irregular heartbeats may be experienced if you use Seldane along with any of the medications that are listed above. Before taking this medicine inform your doctor if you suffer from

  • Asthma or a different lung disease;

  • Low levels of potassium in your blood.

  • Urinary retention or an overly large prostate;

  • Liver or kidney disease or

  • Heart disease, and in particular an abnormal heartbeat.

There is a chance that you won't be allowed to take Seldane or require reduced doses or surveillance during treatment if you suffer from any of the ailments mentioned above.

Seldane is part of the FDA pregnancy category C. This means it isn't known if Seldane can harm a baby who is not yet born. Don't take this medication without consulting with your doctor if you're expecting. It isn't known if Seldane can be absorbed in breast milk. Don't take Seldane without consulting your physician if nursing infants.

How to take Seldane?

Take Seldane according to the instructions of your physician. If you don't understand these instructions consult your nurse, pharmacist or your doctor for help explaining the directions to you.

Consume each dose in the full amount of (8 8 ounces) in water. Don't crush, break or chew them. Inhale them whole.

Seldane is typically taken twice every day, both in the morning and at night. Do not take more medication than what is prescribed by your physician. If you notice that your symptoms aren't being properly treated, speak to your physician.

Keep Seldane in a cool, dry place, away from heat and humidity.

What happens If I miss the dose?

You should take the dose missed when you remember. But, if it's nearing the time for your next dose, you can skip the missed dose, and take only your next scheduled dose. Don't take a double dose of this medicine.

What happens If I overdose?

Seek medical attention immediately.

The symptoms of the signs of a Seldane overdose are headache, drowsiness and an irregular heartbeat, nausea and vomiting.

What should be avoided?

Be cautious when operating machinery, driving or engaging in other risky actions. Seldane could cause dizziness and dizziness or. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, be sure to avoid these actions. Be careful when using alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness when taking Seldane.

Side effects of Seldane

If you suffer from any of the serious side effects listed below Stop taking Seldane and consult your doctor immediately, or seek urgent medical care.

  • An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; tightening of your throat and swelling of your tongue, lips or face; or an allergic reaction (hives, swollen lips, or tongue);

  • An irregular heartbeat 

  • Seizures.

If you have any of the following lesser serious adverse effects, you should continue taking Seldane and speak to your doctor:

  • Dizziness 

  • Drowsiness

  • Headache

  • Nervousness

  • Nausea, 

  • Stomach 

  • Pain

  • Diarrhoea

  • Dry mouth

  • Dry skin or Itching

Additional side effects not described here can also occur. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that appears unusual or is particularly uncomfortable. 

Interaction with other drugs

 

Do not use Seldane in conjunction with any of the following drugs:

  • Antifungal medicines like ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox);

  • Antibiotics, such as erythromycin (E.E.S. E-Mycin, EryTab, and other) and clarithromycin (Biaxin) or azithromycin (Zithromax) as well as

  • Medications for ulcers, like Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).

A risky side effect of irregular heartbeats can occur if you are taking Seldane in conjunction with any of the drugs that are listed above. Before taking this medicine consult your physician whether you are taking any of these medications:

  • Beta-blocker (heart medication) like propranolol (Inderal) or metoprolol (Lopressor);

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or Phenelzine (Nardil) as well as the tranylcypromine (Parnate);

  • An antidepressant tricyclic like amitriptyline (Elavil) and the doxepin (Sinequan) as well as nortriptyline (Pamelor) or

  • Caffeine, amphetamines, decongestants, or diet pills.

Other medications than those listed below may be a cause of interaction with Seldane. Consult your physician and pharmacist prior to using any prescription or non-prescription medicine.

 

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