Acrivastine, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Oral capsule

What is this medicine?

ACRIVASTINE; PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (AK ri vas teen; soo doe e FED rin) is a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant. It is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies. This medicine will not treat an infection.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• glaucoma
• high blood pressure or heart disease
• if you have taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
• kidney disease
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• ulcers or other stomach problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acrivastine, triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• amphetamine or other stimulant drugs
• dihydroergotamine, ergotamine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol
• barbiturates, like phenobarbital
• medicines for blood pressure
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for sleep
• muscle relaxers
• narcotic pain medicines
• other medicines for cold, cough or allergy
• some heart medicines like metoprolol

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• confused, agitated, nervous
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• tremor
• trouble breathing
• trouble passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough
• dizzy
• drowsy, tired
• dry mouth, nose, throat
• headache
• stomach upset, nausea
• trouble sleeping

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep away from heat and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.