Introduction About FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET

FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET contains Dimethindene which belongs to a group of medicines called Antihistamines. It is used for the management of allergic conjunctivitis, ocular (eye) allergies, allergic dermatitis (painless swelling under skin), rhinitis (mucous membrane inflammation), urticaria (skin rashes), angioedema and pruritus (itching).

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET as it can worsen the adverse effect. Before taking this medicine inform your doctor if you have closed angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), epilepsy, urinary bladder neck obstruction (Ex. prostatic hypertrophy), gastrointestinal obstructions, paralytic ileus (impaired bowel movement) or asthma.

FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women. FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients above 65 years of age. The most common side effects are dizziness, dry mouth and blurred vision. Consult your doctor if symptoms do not improve.

Uses Of FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET

• Used for the management of allergic conjunctivitis, ocular allergies, allergic dermatitis, rhinitis, urticaria, angioedema and pruritus

How FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET Works

FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET works by blocking the action of endogenous histamine present in the brain and peripheral tissues, which subsequently leads to a sedative effect and temporary relief of the negative symptoms brought on by histamine.

How to use FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET

Always take FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine with plenty of water and do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

Side Effects Of FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET

How To Manage Side Effects

Dizziness:

Take enough rest. Do not get up suddenly. Lay down in a well-ventilated room. Consult your doctor if the symptoms do not improve.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women or women planning to have a baby. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Breastfeeding

FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women as it is not known if it passes in the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Driving and Using Machines

Do not drive or operate machines while taking FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET as it can cause dizziness and vision changes.

Alcohol

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET as it will increase the adverse effect and impair the metabolism of this medicine.

Kidney

FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with urinary bladder neck obstruction (Ex. prostatic hypertrophy). Consult your doctor for advice.

Allergy

Do not take FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Dimethindene or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Lungs

FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with lung problems like asthma. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET inform your physician if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• tricyclic antidepressants (Ex. doxepin, imipramine), MAOIs (Ex. selegiline, phenelzine) to manage depression
• hypnotics (Ex. diazepam, lorazepam) to induce sleep
• anti-muscarinic drugs (Ex. oxybutynin, atropine) to manage overactive bladder
• aminoglycosides (Ex. gentamicin) to manage bacterial infections
• analgesics (Ex. codeine) to relieve pain
• neuroleptics (Ex. haloperidol) to manage psychiatric disorders
• other sedating antihistamines (Ex. hydroxyzine, ketotifen)
• mefloquine (to manage malaria)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took too much of FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit a nearby hospital.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep out of reach of children
• Store at room temperature

FAQs About FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET

Q: Is FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET a narcotic/ habit forming drug?

A: No, it is not a narcotic or habit-forming drug. FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET is an antihistamine which is used for the management of allergic conjunctivitis, ocular (eye) allergies, allergic dermatitis, rhinitis (mucous membrane inflammation), urticaria (skin rashes), angioedema and pruritus (itching).

Q: How does FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET work?

A: FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET works by blocking the action of endogenous histamine present in the brain and peripheral tissues, which subsequently leads to a sedative effect and temporary relief of the negative symptoms brought on by histamine.

Q: Can FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET cause constipation?

A: Yes, this medicine may cause constipation in some individuals. Eat plenty of fibre-rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals and drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if symptoms do not improve.

Q: Can I take FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET if I have lung disease?

A: FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with lung diseases such as asthma. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET?

A: No, avoid consumption of alcohol while taking FORISTAL LONTABS 2.5MG TABLET as it will increase the adverse effect and impair the metabolism of this medicine. Consult your doctor.

References

1. KD Tripathi. Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of drug action, receptor pharmacology. Essentials of medical pharmacology. 8th edition. 2019. Page- 46-70.

2. W Englisch, C P Bauer. Dimethindene maleate in the treatment of pruritus caused by varizella zoster virus infection in children. NIH National Library of Medicine, National centre for Biotechnology Information. Pubmed.gov. November 1997. [Accessed on 27th November 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9428981/

3. R Towart, M Sautel, E Moret, E Costa, M Theraulaz, A F Weitsch. Investigation of the antihistaminic action of dimethindene maleate (Fenistil) and its optical isomers. NIH National Library of Medicine, National centre for Biotechnology Information. Pubmed.gov. 1991. [Accessed on 27th November 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1675835/

4. Drugsupdate.com. Dimethindene maleate [Accessed on 27th November 2022] https://www.drugsupdate.com/generic/view/1177#adverse_reactions

5. MIMS. Dimethindene. [Accessed on 27th November 2022] https://www.mims.com/malaysia/drug/info/dimethindene?mtype=generic

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Absolute Eosinophil Count
• Peripheral Smear Examination
• Total IgE