acrivastine and pseudoephedrine

What is the most important information I should know about acrivastine and pseudoephedrine?

Do not use acrivastine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

What is acrivastine and pseudoephedrine?

Acrivastine and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and sinus congestion caused by allergies.

Acrivastine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acrivastine and pseudoephedrine?

• you have severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• you have severe coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
• you are allergic to other antihistamines such as triprolidine; or
• you are allergic to other decongestants such as phenylephrine or phenylpropanolamine.

Do not use acrivastine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• diabetes;
• glaucoma;
• an ulcer or obstruction in the stomach;
• a thyroid disorder;
• an enlarged prostate; or
• kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I take acrivastine and pseudoephedrine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Allergy medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cold or allergy medicines in very young children.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken this medicine in the past few days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since acrivastine and pseudoephedrine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include severe dizziness or drowsiness, anxiety, restlessness, tremors, hallucinations, fainting, slowed breathing, irregular heart rhythm, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking acrivastine and pseudoephedrine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cold or allergy medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of acrivastine and pseudoephedrine?

• fever and skin redness with small pus-filled bumps;
• fast heart rate; or
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.

Side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and urination problems may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• dry mouth;
• sinus pain;
• nausea; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect acrivastine and pseudoephedrine?

Other drugs may affect acrivastine and pseudoephedrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about acrivastine and pseudoephedrine.