Semprex-D - Talk Medical

Generic Name: acrivastine and pseudoephedrine

Brands: Semprex-D

What is the most important information I should know about Semprex-D?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Semprex-D may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Semprex-D.

· Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

What is Semprex-D?

· Acrivastine is an antihistamine. It works against the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Acrivastine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

· Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas and allows nasal passages to open up.

· The combination, Semprex-D, is used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

· Semprex-D may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Semprex-D?

· Do not take Semprex-D if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have ·kidney disease, ·liver disease, ·diabetes, ·glaucoma, ·heart disease or high blood pressure, ·thyroid disease, ·emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or ·difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

· You may not be able to take Semprex-D, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Semprex-D is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· This medication passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Semprex-D. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

· Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions.

How should I take Semprex-D?

· Take Semprex-D exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Do not crush, chew, or break any long-acting, sustained-release, or other capsule formulations that are intended to release slowly. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure about the formulation of the medicine, ask your pharmacist for help.

· Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. Take a maximum of one tablet every 12 hours. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm.

· Do not take Semprex-D for longer than 7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

· Store Semprex-D at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of an Semprex-D overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking Semprex-D?

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Semprex-D.

· Semprex-D may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if Semprex-D is taken with any of these medications.

What are the possible side effects of Semprex-D?

· Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking Semprex-D and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Semprex-D and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience ·dryness of the eyes, nose, and mouth; ·drowsiness or dizziness; ·blurred vision; ·difficulty urinating; or ·excitation (in children).

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Semprex-D?

· Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking Semprex-D without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain acrivastine, pseudoephedrine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Semprex-D. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Semprex-D written for health professionals that you may read.