Hismanal (astemizole)

Hismanal (astemizole) is an antihistamine medication used to treat symptoms of allergies such as rash, hives, watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes and sneezing.

Why Prescribed

Hismanal is prescribed for long term use against hay fever and is indicated for the relief of all symptoms of allergic rhinitis (nasal hypersensitivity) such as nasal congestion (blocked nose), sneezing, rhinorrhoea (runny nose) and itchy eyes.

FDA Approved Uses

Hismanal was approved by the FDA in 1988 for chronic allergy and hay fever sufferers.

Side Effects

Side effects commonly associated with Hismanal include headache, increased appetite, stomach upset, nervousness, and dry mouth.

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Warnings and Alerts

In 1999, Janssen Pharmaceutica, the maker of Hismanal, notified health care providers that they were voluntarily discontinuing the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of the drug. In 1998, the FDA first warned consumers and healthcare providers of new safety information regarding Hismanal due to the risk of death, cardiovascular adverse events, anaphylaxis, and serious drug interactions that were occurring with its use. In addition, Hismanal labeling was changed to stress avoiding the use of Hismanal in combination with certain other medications and for liver disorder patients to completely avoid its use. After a series of labeling changes and warnings, Hismanal was recalled on June 21, 1999.

Drug Contraindications

Hismanal is contraindicated in patients using monoamine oxidase [MAO] inhibitors (antidepressants). Further, a dangerous side effect involving irregular heartbeats could occur if you take Hismanal with any of the following medicines:

• An antifungal drug including ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox);
• An antibiotic including erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or troleandomycin (TAO);
• The malaria medicine quinine (Quinamm); or
• The medicine nefazodone (Serzone).

FAQ's

What is Astemizole?

Astemizole is an antihistamine that is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms. Astemizole is also used to treat hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory conditions.

What are the symptoms of a Hismanal overdose?

Symptoms of a Hismanal overdose include excessive central-nervous system stimulation (eg. insomnia, nervousness, convulsions), or cardiovascular stimulation (eg. tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias). Other symptoms include hypertension, pallor, mydriasis, hyperglycaemia and urinary retention. In some individuals, there may be central nervous system depression with somnolence, stupor, or respiratory depression.

Are there other prescription antihistamine alternatives to Hismanal?

Consumers can now obtain three prescription antihistamines that are similar to Hismanal and pose a much lower risk for interactions. They are fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Studies suggest that these three drugs work equally well at relieving allergy symptoms, although some people find that they respond better to one over another.

Can I file a lawsuit if I have been injured as the result of taking Hismanal?

Patients injured by unsafe products are ordinarily entitled to recover monetary damages for all losses and expenses suffered from use of the product. Depending upon the particular circumstances of your case, damages may include recovery for any of the following:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past and future pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Emotional distress

If you have suffered injuries from using Hismanal, particularly cardiovascular difficulties, you have legal rights and should contact a qualified defective drug litigation attorney to discuss your legal claim. As all legal claims are subject to time limits, known as statute of limitations, you may risk forfeiture of your right to financial compensation if you delay.