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Optimine Side Effects

Generic Name: azatadine

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Consumer Managing Side Effects

Note: This document contains side effect information about azatadine. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Optimine.

Applies to azatadine: oral tablet

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have commonly included central nervous system depression with resulting drowsiness. Azatadine (the active ingredient contained in Optimine) has also caused dizziness and affected coordination.[Ref]

The drowsiness caused by azatadine may subside in some patients following prolonged use. Patients should be warned against driving, as well as concomitant ingestion of alcohol and other sedative-hypnotic drugs, while taking azatadine.

At dosages above what is normally recommended, dystonic reactions have occurred.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included dry mouth and constipation due to anticholinergic effects. Patients have also experienced epigastric distress and nausea. Increased appetite has been reported.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included hypotension, tachycardia, and palpitations.[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included blurred vision, diplopia, and dry eyes due to cholinergic blockade.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included dysuria, urinary hesitancy, decrease in urinary flow, and in rare cases, acute urinary retention. These urinary tract effects may have been due to azatadine (the active ingredient contained in Optimine) s anticholinergic effects.[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included reports of bone marrow suppression, thrombocytopenia, and aplastic anemia.[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included thickening of bronchial secretions.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions to azatadine (the active ingredient contained in Optimine) have included rash and urticaria.[Ref]

References

1. Kaminszczik I, Barbon L "Relieving symptoms of upper respiratory allergies and the common cold: azatadine maleate/pseudoephedrine sulfate syrup versus placebo." J Int Med Res 11 (1983): 101-7

2. Luscombe DK, Nicholls PJ, Parish PA "Comparison of the effects of azatadine maleate and terfenadine on human performance." Pharmatherapeutica 3 (1983): 370-5

3. Schuller DE, Turkewitz D "Adverse effects of antihistamines." Postgrad Med 79 (1986): 75-86

4. Luscombe DK, Nicholls PJ, Spencer PS "Effect of azatadine on human performance." Br J Clin Pract 34 (1980): 75-9

5. Joske DJ "Dystonic reaction to azatadine." Med J Aust 141 (1984): 449

6. Small P, Barrett D, Biskin N "Effects of azatadine, terfenadine, and astemizole on allergen-induced nasal provocation." Ann Allergy 64 (1990): 129-31

7. "Product Information. Optimine (azatadine)." Schering Laboratories, Kenilworth, NJ.

8. Wilson JD, Hillas JL, Somerfield SD "Azatadine maleate (Zadine): evaluation in the management of allergic rhinitis." N Z Med J 94 (1981): 79-81

9. "Azatadine (optimine)--a new antihistamine." Med Lett Drugs Ther 19 (1977): 77-9

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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