Hismanal (Astemizole (WITHDRAWN FROM US MARKET)) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Hismanal

Hay Fever »

What is hay fever? What are the symptoms and signs?

Hay fever is a misnomer. Hay is not a usual cause of this problem, and it does not cause fever. Early descriptions of sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye irritation while harvesting field hay promoted this popular term. Allergic rhinitis is the correct term used to describe this allergic reaction, and many different substances cause the allergic symptoms noted in hay fever. Rhinitis means "irritation of the nose" and is a derivative of rhino, meaning nose. Allergic rhinitis which occurs during a specific season is called "seasonal allergic rhinitis." When it occurs throughout the year, it is called "perennial allergic rhinitis." Rhinosinusitis is the medical term that refers to inflammation of the nasal lining as well as the lining tissues of the sinuses. This term is sometime used because the two conditions frequently occur together.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever...

Read the Hay Fever article »

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Hismanal

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Hismanal Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Hismanal

Generic Name: astemizole (Pronunciation: a STEH mih zole)

What is astemizole (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Astemizole was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1999.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.

What are the possible side effects of astemizole (Hismanal)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking astemizole and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:

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.

What is the most important information I should know about astemizole (Hismanal)?

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.

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