What Is Clemastine Used For?

Clemastine is a medication that is used for treating symptoms of respiratory allergies and the common cold. A prescription form of the medication is also approved to treat allergies and allergic skin reactions. Sometimes healthcare providers may recommend this drug "off-label" for treating other conditions as well. Off-label uses of clemastine may include the treatment of morning sickness and the prevention of negative reactions to certain IV medications.

Clemastine Drug Information

Clemastine Uses

Clemastine fumarate (Tavist^® Allergy, Dayhist^® Allergy) is an antihistamine medication that is available over the counter (for the lower-strength tablets) or by prescription (for the syrup and higher-strength tablets). The non-prescription version is approved for treating allergy and common cold symptoms, such as:

Runny nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Sneezing
Itching of the nose or throat.

The prescription versions are approved for treating the following conditions:

Allergies
Hives or swelling due to mild, uncomplicated allergic reactions.

How Does It Work?

Clemastine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. Specifically, it is an H1 receptor antagonist. This means that it blocks a specific type of histamine receptor in the body (known as H1 receptors). Since allergic reactions are partly caused by the release of histamine from certain cells in the body, clemastine can help relieve or prevent allergy symptoms.

Clemastine also blocks acetylcholine receptors, an action which produces some of the unpleasant side effects of the medication (such as dry mouth or difficulty urinating) but also helps to relieve a runny nose.

(What Is Clemastine Used For? Continued: Page 2)