Astemizole


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Oral
Allergic conditions
Adult: 10 mg once daily.
Child: 6-12 yr: 5 mg once daily.
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach.
Contraindications
Porphyria.
Special Precautions
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.
Adverse Reactions
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.
Drug Interactions
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.
Food Interaction
Grapefruit juice may inhibit the metabolism of astemizole.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Astemizole is a piperidine derivative, non-sedating antihistamine.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Rapid absorption from GI tract.
Distribution: Unchanged astemizole: Highly bound to plasma proteins
Metabolism: Extensive 1st pass metabolism.
Excretion: Metabolites are slowly excreted in the urine and faeces, and undergo enterohepatic recycling.
MIMS Class
Antihistamines & Antiallergics
Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Astemizole from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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