Generic Name: astemizole (a STEH mih zole)Brand Names: Hismanal
Astemizole was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1999.
Astemizole is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms.
Astemizole is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory conditions.
Astemizole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Astemizole was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1999.
Do not take astemizole (Hismanal) with any of the following medicines: antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox); antibiotics such as erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and troleandomycin (TAO); the malaria medicine quinine (Quinamm); or the medicine nefazodone (Serzone). Take astemizole on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating food. Do not take astemizole with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit products may increase amount of astemizole available in your body, which could lead to dangerous side effects.an antifungal drug including ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox);
an antibiotic including erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or troleandomycin (TAO);
the malaria medicine quinine (Quinamm); or
the medicine nefazodone (Serzone).
A dangerous side effect involving irregular heartbeats could occur if you take astemizole with any of the medicines listed above.
Before taking astemizole, tell your doctor if you have
asthma or another lung disease;
low potassium levels in your blood;
urinary retention or an enlarged prostate;
heart disease, especially an irregular heartbeat.
You may not be able to take astemizole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Astemizole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether astemizole will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether astemizole passes into breast milk. Do not take astemizole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.Take astemizole once a day as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Take astemizole on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not take astemizole with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit products may increase amount of astemizole available in your body, which could lead to dangerous side effects. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole.Never take more of this medication than is directed by your doctor. Larger than prescribed doses of astemizole may result in irregular heartbeats, and rarely, death. If your symptoms are not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.
Store astemizole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Symptoms of an astemizole overdose include headache, drowsiness, irregular heartbeats, nausea, and vomiting.
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
an irregular heartbeat;
fainting; or
seizures.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take astemizole and talk to your doctor if you experience
drowsiness or dizziness;
headache;
nervousness;
nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort;
dry mouth; or
dry skin or itchiness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
an antifungal drug including ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox);
an antibiotic including erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or troleandomycin (TAO);
the malaria medicine quinine (Quinamm); or
the medicine nefazodone (Serzone).
A dangerous side effect involving irregular heartbeats could occur if you take astemizole with any of the medicines listed above.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
an antifungal including fluconazole (Diflucan), miconazole (Monistat), or metronidazole (Flagyl);
a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) including fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft);
a protease inhibitor including amprenavir (Agenerase), ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), or nelfinavir (Viracept); or
zileuton (Zyflo).
You may not be able to take astemizole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with astemizole. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Astemizole was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1999.