Clemastine

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clemastine Fumarate Syrup is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, pruritus and lacrimation. Clemastine Fumarate Syrup is indicated for use in pediatric populations (age 6 years through 12) and adults (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). It should be noted that clemastine is indicated for the relief of mild uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema at the 2 mg dosage level only.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Clemastine fumarate is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative side effects. Antihistamines competitively antagonize various physiological effects of histamine including increased capillary permeability and dilatation, the formation of edema, the "flare" and "itch" response, and gastrointestinal and respiratory smooth muscle constriction. Within the vascular tree, H1-receptor antagonists inhibit both the vasoconstrictor and vasodilator effects of histamine. Depending on the dose, H1-receptor antagonists can produce CNS stimulation or depression. Most antihistamines exhibit central and/or peripheral anticholinergic activity. Antihistamines act by competitively blocking H1-receptor sites. Antihistamines do not pharmacologically antagonize or chemically inactivate histamine, nor do they prevent the release of histamine. Pharmacokinetics Antihistamines are well-absorbed following oral administration. Chlorpheniramine maleate, clemastine fumarate, and diphenhydramine hydrochloride achieve peak blood levels within 2-5 hours following oral administration. The absorption of antihistamines is often partially delayed by the use of controlled release dosage forms. In these instances, plasma concentrations from identical doses of the immediate and controlled release dosage forms will not be similar. Tissue distribution of the antihistamines in humans has not been established. Antihistamines appear to be metabolized in the liver chiefly via mono- and didemethylation and glucuronide conjugation. Antihistamine metabolites and small amounts of unchanged drug are excreted in the urine. Small amounts of the drugs may also be excreted in breast milk. In normal human subjects who received histamine injections over a 24-hour period, the antihistaminic activity of clemastine reached a peak at 5-7 hours, persisted for 10-12 hours and, in some cases, for as long as 24 hours. Pharmacokinetic studies in man utilizing 3H and 14C labeled compound demonstrates that: clemastine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, peak plasma concentrations are attained in 2-4 hours, and urinary excretion is the major mode of elimination.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION DOSAGE SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT. Pediatric Children aged 6 to 12 years For Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis The starting dose is 1 teaspoonful (0.5 mg clemastine) twice daily. Since single doses of up to 2.25 mg clemastine were well tolerated by this age group, dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 6 teaspoonfuls daily (3 mg clemastine). For Urticaria and Angioedema The starting dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (1 mg clemastine) twice daily, not to exceed 6 teaspoonfuls daily (3 mg clemastine). Adults and Children 12 Years and Over For Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis The starting dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (1 mg clemastine) twice daily. Dosage may be increased as required, but not to exceed 12 teaspoonfuls daily (6 mg clemastine). For Urticaria and Angioedema The starting dose is 4 teaspoonfuls (2 mg clemastine) twice daily, not to exceed 12 teaspoonfuls daily (6 mg clemastine).

ADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequent adverse reactions are italicized: Nervous System Sedation , sleepiness , dizziness , disturbed coordination , fatigue, confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, euphoria, paresthesia, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus, acute labyrinthitis, hysteria, neuritis, convulsions. Gastrointestinal System Epigastric distress , anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation. Respiratory System Thickening of bronchial secretions , tightness of chest and wheezing, nasal stuffiness. Cardiovascular System Hypotension, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, extrasystoles. Hematologic System Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis. Genitourinary System Urinary frequency, difficult urination, urinary retention, early menses. General Urticaria, drug rash, anaphylactic shock, photosensitivity, excessive perspiration, chills, dryness of mouth, nose and throat. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Allucent at 1-866-511-6754 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

WARNINGS Antihistamines should be used with considerable caution in patients with: narrow angle glaucoma, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy, and bladder neck obstruction. Use with CNS Depressants Clemastine has additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants (hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, etc.). Use in Activities Requiring Mental Alertness Patients should be warned about engaging in activities requiring mental alertness such as driving a car or operating appliances, machinery, etc. Use in the Elderly (approximately 60 years or older) Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sedation, and hypotension in elderly patients.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Antihistamines are contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the drug or to other antihistamines of similar chemical structure (see PRECAUTIONS- Drug Interactions ). Antihistamines should not be used in newborn or premature infants . Because of the higher risk of antihistamines for infants generally and for newborns and prematures in particular, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers (see PRECAUTIONS-Nursing Mothers ).

OVERDOSAGE Antihistamine overdosage reactions may vary from central nervous system depression to stimulation. In children, stimulation predominates initially in a syndrome which may include excitement, hallucinations, ataxia, incoordination, muscle twitching, athetosis, hyperthermia, cyanosis convulsions, tremors, and hyperreflexia followed by postictal depression and cardio-respiratory arrest. Convulsions in children may be preceded by mild depression. Dry mouth, fixed dilated pupils, flushing of the face, and fever are common. In adults, CNS depression, ranging from drowsiness to coma, is more common. The convulsant dose of antihistamines lies near the lethal dose. Convulsions indicate a poor prognosis. In both children and adults, coma and cardiovascular collapse may occur. Deaths are reported especially in infants and children. There is no specific therapy for acute overdosage with antihistamines. The latent period from ingestion to appearance of toxic effects is characteristically short (1/2-2 hours). General symptomatic and supportive measures should be instituted promptly and maintained for as long as necessary. Since overdoses of other classes of drugs (i.e. tricyclic antidepressants) may also present anticholinergic symptomatology, appropriate toxicological analysis should be performed as soon as possible to identify the causative agent. In the conscious patient, vomiting should be induced even though it may have occurred spontaneously. If vomiting cannot be induced, gastric lavage is indicated. Adequate precautions must be taken to protect against aspiration, especially in infants and children. Charcoal slurry or other suitable agents should be instilled into the stomach after vomiting or lavage. Saline cathartics or milk of magnesia may be of additional benefit. In the unconscious patient, the airway should be secured with a cuffed endotracheal tube before attempting to evacuate the gastric contents. Intensive supportive and nursing care is indicated, as for any comatose patient. If breathing is significantly impaired, maintenance of an adequate airway and mechanical support of respiration is the most effective means of providing adequate oxygenation. Hypotension is an early sign of impending cardiovascular collapse and should be treated vigorously. Although general supportive measures are important, specific treatment with intravenous infusion of a vasopressor titrated to maintain adequate blood pressure may be necessary. Do not use with CNS st