Patients taking Astemizole should receive the following information and instructions. Antihistamines are prescribed to reduce allergic symptoms. Patients taking Astemizole should be advised: 1) to adhere to the recommended dose, and 2) that the use of excessive doses may lead to serious cardiovascular events. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE. Some patients appear to increase the dose of Astemizole in an attempt to accelerate the onset of action. PATIENTS SHOULD BE ADVISED NOT TO DO THIS, and not to use Astemizole as a p r n product for immediate relief of symptoms. Patients should be questioned about use of another prescription or over-the-counter medication, and should be cautioned regarding the potential for life- threatening arrhythmias with concurrent use of ketoconazole, itraconazole, or erythromycin. Patients should be questioned about pregnancy or lactation before starting Astemizole therapy, since the drug should be used in pregnancy or lactation only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to fetus or baby. See Pregnancy. In addition, patients should be instructed to take Astemizole on an empty stomach e.g., at least 2 hours after a meal. No additional food should be taken for at least 1 hour after dosing. Patients should also be instructed to store this medication in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place, away from heat or direct sunlight, and away from children.

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