Acrivastine, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

Brand names: Semprex-D

Why is Acrivastine, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride prescribed?

Semprex-D is an antihistamine and decongestant drug that relieves sneezing, running nose, itching, watery eyes, and stuffy nose caused by seasonal allergies such as hay fever.

Most important fact about Acrivastine, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

Semprex-D may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how you react to Acrivastine, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride.

How should you take Acrivastine, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride?

Take Semprex-D exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more of Semprex-D or use it more often than your doctor recommends.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it 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. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a dry place; protect the drug from light.

Acrivastine, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride side effects

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 Semprex-D.

• Side effects may include:Cough, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, indigestion, menstrual problems, nausea, nervousness, skin eruptions, sleeplessness, sore throat, weakness, wheezing

Severe allergic reactions are rare. There have been isolated reports of swelling of the throat, lips, neck, face, hands, or feet. Pseudoephedrine, one of the ingredients of Semprex-D, has also been known to cause rapid or fluttery heartbeat.

Why should Acrivastine, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride not be prescribed?

You should not take Semprex-D if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to acrivastine, pseudoephedrine, or similar drugs such as Actifed, Dimetane, Trinalin, or Seldane-D. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Avoid using Semprex-D if you have extremely high blood pressure or severe heart problems.

Do not take Semprex-D within 14 days of taking any drug known as an MAO inhibitor, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

Special warnings about Acrivastine, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

Use Semprex-D with caution if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, peptic ulcer or other stomach problems, or an enlarged prostate gland. Use Semprex-D with care, too, if you have increased eye pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, or kidney disease. Make sure the doctor has taken these conditions into account.

Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, extreme calm (sedation), bladder obstruction, and low blood pressure in the elderly (over age 60). The elderly are also more likely to have more side effects from the decongestant (pseudoephedrine) in Semprex-D.

If Semprex-D 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 Semprex-D with the following:Alcoholic beveragesBlood pressure medications such as Inderal and LopressorMAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and ParnateOther antihistamines such as Actifed, Seldane-D, and EntexOther decongestants such as Quibron and Rynatan

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Semprex-D during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

It is not known whether acrivastine appears in breast milk, but pseudoephedrine does. If the drug is essential to your health, your doctor may tell you to stop nursing until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage for Acrivastine, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

ADULTS

The usual dose for adults and children 12 years of age and older is 1 capsule, taken by mouth, every 4 to 6 hours, 4 times a day.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Semprex-D in children less than 12 years old have not been established.

Overdosage

Although there have been few reports of overdosage with Semprex-D, overdosage with similar drugs has caused a variety of serious symptoms. If you suspect an overdose of Semprex-D, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of overdose may include:Anxiety, convulsions, difficult breathing, drowsiness, fear, hallucinations, heart failure with low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, painful urination, paleness, restlessness, sleeplessness, tenseness, trembling, weakness