Astemizole

Allergic conditions.

Oral Allergic conditions Adult: 10 mg once daily.

Oral Allergic conditions Child: 6-12 yr: 5 mg once daily.

Should be taken on an empty stomach.

Hypersensitivity. Porphyria.

Prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, glaucoma, pyloroduodenal obstruction, epilepsy; children and elderly. Avoid in patients with cardiac disease, significant hepatic disease, known or suspected prolongation of the QT interval, hypokalaemia and other electrolyte imbalances. Not to exceed recommended doses due to risk of arrhythmias.

C

Imidazole, triazole antifungals, and the macrolide antibacterials inhibit the hepatic metabolism of astemizole. Avoid concomitant admin of other potentially arrhythmogenic drugs. Co-admin with diuretics may cause electrolyte imbalance. Concurrent use with terfenadine is not recommended.

Increased appetite, wt gain. Rashes, hypersensitivity reactions. CNS depression eg, drowsiness, headache, psychomotor impairments; urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision, GI disturbances. Potentially Fatal: Ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.

Astemizole is a piperidine derivative, non-sedating antihistamine.