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Clemastine: Drug information

Clemastine: Drug information
(For additional information see "Clemastine: Patient drug information" and see "Clemastine: Pediatric drug information")

For abbreviations, symbols, and age group definitions used in Lexicomp (show table)
Pharmacologic Category
  • Ethanolamine Derivative;
  • Histamine H1 Antagonist;
  • Histamine H1 Antagonist, First Generation
Dosing: Adult
Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis: Oral: Clemastine fumarate 1.34 mg (1 mg base) twice daily; may be increased as needed or a single 2.68 mg dose, repeat as needed up to a maximum of 2.68 mg 3 times a day. Maximum daily dose: Clemastine fumarate 8.04 mg/day (6 mg/day base).

Common cold/hay fever/upper respiratory allergies

Common cold/hay fever/upper respiratory allergies (OTC labeling): Oral: Clemastine fumarate 1.34 mg (1 mg base) twice daily. Maximum daily dose: Clemastine fumarate 2.68 mg/day (2 mg/day base).

Urticaria/angioedema

Urticaria/angioedema: Oral: Clemastine fumarate 2.68 mg (2 mg base) twice daily or a single 2.68 mg dose, repeat as needed up to a maximum of 2.68 mg 3 times a day. Maximum daily dose: Clemastine fumarate 8.04 mg/day (6 mg/day base).

Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Adult

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Dosing: Hepatic Impairment: Adult

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Dosing: Pediatric

(For additional information see "Clemastine: Pediatric drug information")

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis: Oral:

Children 6 to <12 years: Syrup: 0.67 mg clemastine fumarate (0.5 mg base) twice daily; dosage may be increased as required; single doses up to 3 mg clemastine fumarate (2.25 mg base) have been tolerated; maximum daily dose: 4.02 mg/day clemastine fumarate (3 mg/day base)

Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: Syrup/Tablet: 1.34 mg clemastine fumarate (1 mg base) twice daily; dosage may be increased as required up to 2.68 mg clemastine fumarate (2 mg base) 3 times daily; maximum daily dose: 8.04 mg/day clemastine fumarate (6 mg/day base)

Common cold, hayfever, upper respiratory allergies

Common cold, hayfever, upper respiratory allergies: OTC labeling: Oral: Tablets: Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: 1.34 mg clemastine fumarate (1 mg base) twice daily; maximum daily dose: 2.68 mg/day clemastine fumarate (2 mg base/day)

Urticaria; angioedema

Urticaria; angioedema: Oral:

Children 6 to <12 years: Syrup: 1.34 mg clemastine fumarate (1 mg base) twice daily; maximum daily dose 4.02 mg/day clemastine fumarate (3 mg/day base)

Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: Syrup, Tablet: 2.68 mg clemastine fumarate (2 mg base) twice daily or a single 2.68 mg clemastine fumarate dose (2 mg base), repeat as needed up to a maximum of 2.68 mg clemastine fumarate (2 mg base) 3 times daily; maximum daily dose: 8.04 mg/day clemastine fumarate (6 mg/day base)

Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Pediatric

There are no dosage adjustments provided in manufacturer's labeling.

Dosing: Hepatic Impairment: Pediatric

There are no dosage adjustments provided in manufacturer's labeling.

Dosing: Older Adult

Avoid use (Beers Criteria [AGS 2019]).

Dosage Forms: US

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Syrup, Oral, as fumarate:

Generic: 0.67 mg/5 mL (120 mL)

Tablet, Oral, as fumarate:

Generic: 2.68 mg

Generic Equivalent Available: US

Yes

Administration: Pediatric

Oral: May take with or without food; if GI distress administer with a meal.

Syrup: Measure dose with calibrated device.

Use: Labeled Indications

Allergic rhinitis: Relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis or other upper respiratory allergies (eg, sneezing, rhinorrhea, pruritus, and lacrimation) in children ≥12 years of age and adults (tablets and syrup) and in children 6 to 12 years (syrup only)

Urticaria/angioedema: Relief of mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema in children ≥12 years of age and adults (tablets and syrup) and in children 6 to 12 years (syrup only)

OTC Labeling: Common cold/hay fever/upper respiratory allergies: Relief of symptoms associated with the common cold (eg, rhinorrhea, sneezing, throat/nose pruritus, lacrimation) in children ≥12 years of age and adults

Medication Safety Issues
Older Adult: High-Risk Medication:

Beers Criteria: Clemastine, a first-generation antihistamine, is identified in the Beers Criteria as a potentially inappropriate medication to be avoided in patients 65 years and older (independent of diagnosis or condition) due to its potent anticholinergic properties resulting in increased risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects or toxicity; use should also be avoided due to reduced clearance with advanced age and tolerance associated with use as a hypnotic (Beers Criteria [AGS 2019]).

Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA):

Clemastine, as a single agent or as part of a combination (excludes OTC products), is identified as a high-risk medication in patients 65 years and older on the PQA’s Use of High-Risk Medications in the Elderly performance measure, a safety measure used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for Medicare plans (PQA 2017).

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Frequency not defined.

Cardiovascular: Hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia

Central nervous system: Ataxia, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness (slight to moderate), fatigue, headache, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, restlessness, sedation

Dermatologic: Skin photosensitivity, skin rash

Gastrointestinal: Constipation, diarrhea, epigastric distress, nausea, vomiting, xerostomia

Genitourinary: Difficulty in micturition, urinary frequency, urinary retention

Hematologic & oncologic: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia

Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis

Ophthalmic: Blurred vision

Otic: Tinnitus

Respiratory: Thickening of bronchial secretions

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity clemastine, any component of the formulation, or to other antihistamines of similar chemical structure; use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors; newborn or premature infants; breast-feeding women; lower respiratory tract symptoms (eg, asthma)

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).

Disease-related concerns:

• Asthma: Use with caution in patients with a history of asthma. Antihistamines should not be used to treat lower respiratory symptoms (including asthma).

• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease (including hypertension and ischemic heart disease).

• Increased intraocular pressure: Use with caution in patients with increased intraocular pressure or angle-closure (narrow angle) glaucoma.

• Prostatic hyperplasia/urinary obstruction: Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia, bladder neck obstruction, and/or GU obstruction.

• Pyloroduodenal obstruction: Use with caution in patients with pyloroduodenal obstruction (including stenotic peptic ulcer).

• Thyroid dysfunction: Use with caution in patients with thyroid dysfunction.

Warnings: Additional Pediatric Considerations

Safety and efficacy for the use of cough and cold products in pediatric patients <4 years is limited; the AAP warns against the use of these products for respiratory illnesses in young children. Serious adverse effects including death have been reported. Many of these products contain multiple active ingredients, increasing the risk of accidental overdose when used with other products. The FDA does not recommend OTC uses for these products in pediatric patients <2 years of age and recommends to use with caution in pediatric patients ≥2 years of age. Health care providers are reminded to ask caregivers about the use of OTC cough and cold products in order to avoid exposure to multiple medications containing the same ingredient (AAP 2018; CDC 2007; FDA 2017; FDA 2018).

The syrup contains 5.5% alcohol.

Metabolism/Transport Effects

None known.

Drug Interactions

Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the Lexicomp drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Aclidinium: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Alcohol (Ethyl). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Alizapride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Amantadine: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Amezinium: Antihistamines may enhance the stimulatory effect of Amezinium. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Anticholinergic Agents: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Anticholinergic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Azelastine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination

Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine: Antihistamines may diminish the diagnostic effect of Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine. Management: Suspend systemic H1 antagonists for benzylpenicilloyl-polylysine skin testing and delay testing until systemic antihistaminic effects have dissipated. A histamine skin test may be used to assess persistent antihistaminic effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Betahistine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antihistamines. Antihistamines may diminish the therapeutic effect of Betahistine. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Botulinum Toxin-Containing Products: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Brexanolone: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Brexanolone. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Bromopride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Bromperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination

Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Cannabinoid-Containing Products: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the tachycardic effect of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cannabinoid-Containing Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Chloral Betaine: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Chlormethiazole: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cimetropium: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Cimetropium. Risk X: Avoid combination

CloZAPine: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the constipating effect of CloZAPine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination whenever possible. If combined, monitor closely for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal hypomotility and consider prophylactic laxative treatment. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CNS Depressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Daridorexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dose reduction of daridorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of daridorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of daridorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

DexmedeTOMIDine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of DexmedeTOMIDine. Management: Monitor for increased CNS depression during coadministration of dexmedetomidine and CNS depressants, and consider dose reductions of either agent to avoid excessive CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Difelikefalin: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Dimethindene (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Doxylamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: The manufacturer of Diclegis (doxylamine/pyridoxine), intended for use in pregnancy, specifically states that use with other CNS depressants is not recommended. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Droperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Eluxadoline: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the constipating effect of Eluxadoline. Risk X: Avoid combination

Esketamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Flunarizine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunarizine. Risk X: Avoid combination

Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic): Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Glucagon: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Glucagon. Specifically, the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Glycopyrrolate (Oral Inhalation): Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Glycopyrrolate (Oral Inhalation). Risk X: Avoid combination

Glycopyrronium (Topical): May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Hyaluronidase: Antihistamines may diminish the therapeutic effect of Hyaluronidase. Risk C: Monitor therapy

HydrOXYzine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider a decrease in the CNS depressant dose, as appropriate, when used together with hydroxyzine. Increase monitoring of signs/symptoms of CNS depression in any patient receiving hydroxyzine together with another CNS depressant. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Ipratropium (Oral Inhalation): May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Itopride: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Itopride. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Kava Kava: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Kratom: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination

Lemborexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Levosulpiride: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Levosulpiride. Risk X: Avoid combination

Lisuride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Lofexidine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Magnesium Sulfate: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Metoclopramide: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of MetyroSINE. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Mianserin: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Minocycline (Systemic): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Mirabegron: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Mirabegron. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Clemastine. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Nitroglycerin: Anticholinergic Agents may decrease the absorption of Nitroglycerin. Specifically, anticholinergic agents may decrease the dissolution of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets, possibly impairing or slowing nitroglycerin absorption. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Olopatadine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination

Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Orphenadrine. Risk X: Avoid combination

Oxatomide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Oxomemazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination

Oxybate Salt Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Oxybate Salt Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, dose reduction or discontinuation of one or more CNS depressants (including the oxybate salt product) should be considered. Interrupt oxybate salt treatment during short-term opioid use Risk D: Consider therapy modification

OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Paraldehyde. Risk X: Avoid combination

Perampanel: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Piribedil: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Piribedil. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pitolisant: Antihistamines may diminish the therapeutic effect of Pitolisant. Risk X: Avoid combination

Potassium Chloride: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Chloride. Management: Patients on drugs with substantial anticholinergic effects should avoid using any solid oral dosage form of potassium chloride. Risk X: Avoid combination

Potassium Citrate: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Citrate. Risk X: Avoid combination

Pramipexole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Pramipexole. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pramlintide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. These effects are specific to the GI tract. Risk X: Avoid combination

Procarbazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ramosetron: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the constipating effect of Ramosetron. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Revefenacin: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Revefenacin. Risk X: Avoid combination

Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: CNS Depressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Specifically, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects may be increased. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other CNS depressants. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for neuropsychiatric adverse effects (eg, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, mania). Risk D: Consider therapy modification

ROPINIRole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of ROPINIRole. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Rotigotine: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Rotigotine. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Rufinamide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Specifically, sleepiness and dizziness may be enhanced. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Secretin: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Secretin. Management: Avoid concomitant use of anticholinergic agents and secretin. Discontinue anticholinergic agents at least 5 half-lives prior to administration of secretin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Thalidomide. Risk X: Avoid combination

Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: Anticholinergic Agents may increase the serum concentration of Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Tiotropium: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Tiotropium. Risk X: Avoid combination

Topiramate: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Topiramate. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Trimeprazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Umeclidinium: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Valerian: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Pregnancy Considerations

Maternal clemastine use has generally not resulted in an increased risk of birth defects. Antihistamines are recommended for the treatment of rhinitis, urticaria, and pruritus with rash in pregnant women (although second generation antihistamines may be preferred). Antihistamines are not recommended for treatment of pruritus associated with intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding Considerations

Small amounts of clemastine may be excreted in breast milk. Premature infants and newborns have a higher risk of intolerance to antihistamines. Adverse events were observed in single case report of a nursing infant. Use while breast-feeding is contraindicated by the manufacturer. Antihistamines may decrease maternal serum prolactin concentrations when administered prior to the establishment of nursing.

Monitoring Parameters

Monitor therapeutic response (eg, reduction of rhinitis, urticaria, eczema, pruritus, or other allergic symptoms)

Mechanism of Action

Competes with histamine for H1-receptor sites on effector cells in the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, and respiratory tract; anticholinergic and sedative effects are also seen.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: 2 hours after administration; Peak effect: Therapeutic: 5 to 7 hours

Duration: 10 to 12 hours; may persist for up to 24 hours

Absorption: Rapidly and nearly completely absorbed

Distribution: Vd: ~800 L (range: 500 to 1000 L) (Sharma 2003)

Metabolism: Hepatic; metabolized via unidentified enzymes by O-dealkylation followed by alcohol dehydration, aliphatic oxidation, aromatic oxidation, and direct oxidation; significant first-pass effect (Sharma 2003)

Bioavailability: ~40% (Sharma 2003)

Half-life elimination: ~21 hours (range: 10 to 33 hours) (Sharma 2003)

Time to peak: 2 to 4 hours

Excretion: Urine (~42% as metabolites) (Sharma 2003)

Pricing: US

Syrup (Clemastine Fumarate Oral)

0.67 mg/5 mL (per mL): $17.86

Tablets (Clemastine Fumarate Oral)

2.68 mg (per each): $2.58

Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.

Brand Names: International
  • Agasten (BR);
  • Alagyl (JP);
  • Aloginan (JP);
  • Alphamin (JP);
  • Anhistan (JP);
  • Arrest (JP);
  • Benanzyl (JP);
  • Clamist (IN);
  • Clemanil (JP);
  • Clemastinum (PL);
  • Darvine (TW);
  • Fuluminol (JP);
  • Fumaresutin (JP);
  • Histatop (EG);
  • Inbestan (JP);
  • Kinotomin (JP);
  • Lacretin (JP);
  • Langjing (CN);
  • Lecasol (JP, KR);
  • Lepotin (TW);
  • Maikohis (JP);
  • Mallermin-F (JP);
  • Marsthine (JP, PH, TW);
  • Masletine (JP);
  • Piloral (JP);
  • Remstin (KR);
  • Tandegyl (PK);
  • Tavegil (BB, BM, BS, BZ, DE, GB, GY, IE, IT, JM, LU, NL, SR, TT);
  • Tavegyl (AE, AT, BF, BG, BJ, CH, CI, CO, CZ, DK, EC, EE, EG, ET, GH, GM, GN, HN, HU, ID, IS, JO, KE, KW, LR, LT, LV, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, NL, NO, PT, RO, RU, SA, SC, SD, SE, SI, SL, SN, TH, TN, TR, TZ, UG, ZA, ZM, ZW);
  • Tavetine (MY);
  • Telgin-G (JP);
  • Xolamin (JP);
  • Zemin (HK, TW)


For country code abbreviations (show table)
  1. 2019 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel. American Geriatrics Society 2019 Updated AGS Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2019;67(4):674-694. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15767. [PubMed 30693946]
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Cough and cold medicines should not be prescribed, recommended or used for respiratory illnesses in young children. Updated June 12, 2018. Available at http://www.choosingwisely.org/clinician-lists/american-academy-pediatrics-cough-and-cold-medicines-for-children-under-four/
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infant deaths associated with cough and cold medications--two states, 2005. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2007;56(1):1-4. [PubMed 17218934]
  4. Clemastine Fumarate syrup [prescribing information]. Madisonville, LA: Solubiomix, LLC; September 2020.
  5. Clemastine Fumarate tablet [prescribing information]. North Wales, PA: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA; August 2015.
  6. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Most young children with a cough or cold don't need medicines. July 18, 2017. Available at https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm422465.htm. Last accessed November 2, 2018.
  7. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Use caution when giving cough and cold products to kids. Updated February 8, 2018. Available at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/specialfeatures/ucm263948.htm. Last accessed November 2, 2018.
  8. Kok TH, Taitz LS, Bennett MJ, et al, “Drowsiness Due to Clemastine Transmitted in Breast Milk,” Lancet, 1982, 1:914-5.
  9. Pharmacy Quality Alliance. Use of high-risk medications in the elderly (2017 update) (HRM-2017). https://www.pqaalliance.org/medication-safety. Published 2017. Accessed March 21, 2019.
  10. Sharma A and Hamelin BA, "Classic Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonists: A Critical Review of Their Metabolic and Pharmacokinetic Fate from a Bird's Eye View," Curr Drug Metab, 2003, 4(2):105-29. [PubMed 12678691]
  11. Tavist Allergy (clemastine fumarate) [prescribing information]. Parsippany, NJ: Novartis Consumer Health, Inc; September 2011.
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