Explanation

Clemastine (also called Tavegil®) is a medicine for treating the symptoms of allergies. It can help control itchy and runny nose caused by allergies or hay fever, itchy skin rashes, eczema and other allergic skin reactions.

How does clemastine work?

Clemastine is a type of medicine called an anti-histamine. It works by blocking histamine - the chemical that causes some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction in your body.

What does it look like?

Clemastine comes as a round white tablet that you swallow with water.

When should I take it and how much should I take?

How much you take need to take will depend on how old you are. Your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or the adult looking after you will tell you how much clemastine you should take. You will usually need to take either half a tablet or a whole tablet in the morning and in the evening.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

Taking your clemastine will help control your alllergy symptoms. If you don't take it, they may get much worse.

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take your clemastine, don't worry. Just take it when you remember if it's not long after you were meant to take it. If it's close to the time you would normally take your next dose then forget your missed dose and take the next one as usual. Don't take twice as much to make up for the one you missed. Remember the three D's: Don't Double Dose!

What if I take too much?

It can be harmful if you take too much clemastine. If you do take more than you have been told to make sure you tell your doctor or the adult looking after you, or go to the hospital and tell the doctors or nurses there. Take your medicine with you so they know what you have taken.

The things you might notice if you have taken too much are:

feeling sleepy, confused or slurring your words

feeling restless, having trouble sleeping, shaking that you can't control or headaches

dry mouth

sudden redness and heat in your face

sore or upset stomach

fast heart beat

What are the most likely side effects I might get?

Like any medicine, clemastine can cause some side effects. You might get only some side effects, or you might get none at all. The most likely side effect that you might get is feeling tired or sleepy after taking it.

If you notice this or any other side effects, tell your doctor or an adult who looks after you about it.

What other side effects might clemastine cause?

In some people, clemastine can cause an allergic reaction, although this is unlikely. If you notice a rash on your skin, swelling in your face or mouth, or you have trouble breathing, stop taking it and go to the hospital straight away.

Other side effects that are also unlikely are:

feeling dizzy

headaches

feeling overexcited

an upset or sore tummy

feeling sick

having a dry mouth

getting a skin rash

feeling weak or like you have no energy

If you notice these or any other side effects, tell your doctor or an adult who looks after you straight away.

Are there any side effects you haven't mentioned?

Other, rarer, side effects you might get from clemastine are:

having trouble doing poo (constipation)

a fast heartbeat

feeling your heart beat heavily or not regularly

If you notice these or any other side effects, tell your doctor or an adult who looks after you.

Is it safe for me to take clemastine?

Before you use your clemastine, tell your doctor about any other medical problems that you know you have or have had in the past, including allergies.

This is especially important if you:

have had an allergic reaction to clemastine or any other anti-histamine before

have a condition that affects your blood called porphyria

know your body does not cope well with certain types of sugar

have glaucoma

have somach or digestion problems

have a peptic ulcer

If you can't take clemastine, your doctor can help you find another medicine to treat your allergy with.

Is it OK for me to take clemastine if I'm already taking other medicines?

You should tell your doctor about any other medicines that you are taking, or have taken recently, including any herbal medicines or ones you bought without a prescription. This is especially important if you are taking:

any medicines that make you sleepy

medicines for treating depression

medicines to treat anxiety

a type of medicine called opioids used as pain killers

Do I need to know anything else about clemastine?

You should be careful not to do anything too active when you first start taking clemastine, in case you get side effects that make an accident more likely.

If you keep taking clemastine when you get older you should not drink any alcohol while you're taking it and you shouldn't take it if you're going to have a baby.

What if I have other questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people about clemastine in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.