Astemizole
Indications
Astemizole is used for:
Allergic conditions.
Adult Dose
Oral
Allergic conditions
Adult: 10 mg once daily.
Child Dose
Oral
Allergic conditions
Child: 6-12 yr: 5 mg once daily.
Renal Dose
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach.
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity. Porphyria.
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.
Pregnancy-Lactation
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.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Astemizole :
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.
Mechanism of Action
Astemizole is a piperidine derivative, non-sedating antihistamine.