Acrivastine; Pseudoephedrine capsules

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.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. 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 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 or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• dizziness

• eye pain

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• high blood pressure

• nervousness

• restlessness

• seizures

• tremor

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• trouble sleeping

• unusually weak or tired

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

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea

• sore throat

• stomach upset

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

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

• antihistamines and other medicines for allergy, cough and cold

• ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

• herbal or dietary supplements containing ephedra or ephedrine

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• certain medicines for depression

• linezolid

• medicines for anxiety or sleep

• medicines for blood pressure

• narcotic medicines for pain

• procarbazine

• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

• yohimbine

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.

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). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• if you have taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days

• kidney disease

• problems urinating

• prostate disease

• thyroid disease

• stomach or intestinal problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to acrivastine, pseudoephedrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

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.