Seldane (Terfenadine (Removed from market 1998)) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Seldane

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 »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next »

Seldane

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures

How Smoking Affects Your Looks Slideshow Pictures

Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

font size

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

PATIENT INFORMATION

Patient Package Insert

This leaflet is a summary of important information about terfenadine. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions or want to know more.

What is Terfenadine and What is it Used For? Terfenadine is an antihistamine. It is used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies or hay fever. These symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, and itchy watery eyes.

Clinical studies conducted to date with terfenadine have not demonstrated effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of the common cold.

How Do I Take Terfenadine? Take terfenadine only as needed when you have symptoms of seasonal allergy or hay fever.

The recommended dose of terfenadine is one tablet taken twice a day.DO NOT TAKE MORE OFTEN THAN ONE TABLET EVERY TWELVE HOURS
Follow any other instructions your doctor gives you.

What Are the Important Warnings About Using terfenadine? WARNING: DO NOT USE TERFENADINE IF YOU ARE USING KETOCONAZOLE (NIZORAL), ITRACONAZOLE (SPORANOX), ERYTHROMYCIN, CLARITHROMYCIN (BIAXIN), OR TROLEANDOMYCIN (TAO). IF YOU HAVE ANY LIVER OR HEART PROBLEMS, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU USE TERFENADINE.

Do not use terfenadine with any other prescription or nonprescription medicines without first talking to your doctor and pharmacist.

If you faint, become dizzy, have any unusual heartbeats, or any other unusual symptoms while using terfenadine, contact your doctor.

If you become pregnant or are nursing a baby, talk your doctor about whether you should take terfenadine. Your doctor will decide whether you should take terfenadine based on the benefits and the risks.

What Are the Risks of Using Terfenadine? The side effects which occur most often are headaches and mild stomach or intestinal problems.

In rare cases, terfenadine has caused IRREGULAR HEARTBEATS which may cause serious problems like fainting, dizziness, cardiac arrest, or death. In these rare cases, this occurred when terfenadine was taken:

in more than the recommended dose (remember, do not take more often than one tablet every twelve hours);
with the antifungal drugs ketoconazole (Nizoral), or itraconazole (Sporanox);
with the antibiotic drugs erythromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin), or troleandomycin (TAO);
by patients with serious liver disease.

How do I Store Terfenadine? Terfenadine should be stored in a tightly closed container, in a cool place, out of direct sunlight. It should be kept away from children.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.