Trade name: Tavegil Elixir and Tablets

Active Ingredients: Elixir: clemastine 500mcg/5ml, tablets: clemastine 1mg

Use and Mode of Action: A sedating antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy such as hay fever and urticaria ("nettle rash")

Dosage and Frequency (based on adult dosage): 1mg (one tablet or 10ml) twice a day, increased if necessary to up to 6mg per day

Side Effects: A significant side-effect is drowsiness, although this may lessen after a few days of continued treatment. Also, more commonly, headache, psychomotor impairment and anti-muscarinic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision and bowel disturbances)

Cautions: Should be used with caution in prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate), urinary retention, glaucoma and liver disease. Also in epilepsy and in children and the elderly (who are more susceptible to side-effects)

Contraindictions: Hypersensitivity (severe allergy) to brompheniramine

Pregnancy Use: Use should be avoided unless advised by a doctor

Drug Interactions: Avoid administration with central nervous system depressants such as alcohol and tricyclic antidepressants (such as dothiepin) as their sedative effects will be enhanced