Basic Information
- Habit forming? No
- Prescription needed? Yes
- Available as generic? Yes
- Drug class: Tranquilizer (phenothiazine), antihistamine
Uses
- Relieves itching of hives, skin allergies, chickenpox.
- Treatment for hay fever, motion sickness, vertigo.
Dosage & Usage Information
How to take:
Tablet or syrup--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach
irritation.
Extended-release capsules--Swallow each dose whole. If you
take regular tablets, you may chew or crush them.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than
2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Blocks histamine action in skin.
Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 2 hours.
Don't take with:
Antacid or medicine for diarrhea.
Non-prescription drug for cough, cold or allergy.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
Fast heartbeat, flushed face, shortness of breath, clumsiness,
drowsiness, muscle spasms, jerking movements of head and face.
WHAT TO DO:
- Dial 911 (emergency) or 0 (operator) for an ambulance
or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
- See EMERGENCY information.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
In case of overdose, see previous section.
Common:
- Restlessness, tremor, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness.
- Decreased sweating, dry mouth, nasal congestion, constipa-
tion.
Infrequent:
- Fainting.
- Rash, muscle spasms of face and neck, unsteady gait.
- Difficult urination, less interest in sex, swollen breasts,
menstrual irregularities, dizziness, nausea, vomiting.
Rare:
Change in vision, sore throat, fever, jaundice, confusion,
nightmares, unusual excitement.
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take if:
- You are allergic to any phenothiazine.
- You have a blood or bone marrow disease.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
- If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental
surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.
- If you have asthma, emphysema or other lung disorder.
- If you take non-prescription ulcer medicine, asthma medicine
or amphetamines.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons. More likely to develop tardive
dyskinesia (involuntary movement of jaws, lips, tongue, chewing).
Report this to your doctor immediately. Early treatment can
help.
Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.
Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until
you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining
milk supply.
Infants & children:
Don't give to children younger than 2.
Prolonged use:
- May lead to tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement of
jaws, lips, tongue; chewing).
- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical
examinations or laboratory studies to check complete blood
counts (white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood
cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit), liver function, eyes.
Skin & sunlight:
May cause rash or intensify sunburn in areas exposed to sun
or sunlamp. Skin may remain sensitive for 3 months after discontinuing.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't
climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if
you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and
reflexes.
Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.
Others:
May affect results in some medical tests.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
