Astemizole
Astemizole, antihistamine drug that is used to treat hay fever and recurring hives . It works by blocking the action of histamine (a chemical released by the body during allergic reactions) that contributes to swelling and itching of the nose, eyes, and skin. Astemizole is available only by prescription. It comes in tablet form and is taken orally on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after a meal). The typical dosage for adults and children over age 12 is 10 mg once a day. It has not been proven safe for children under age 12. The drug starts to be effective within one hour of treatment. Astemizole is often prescribed for use over several weeks. It helps control the appearance of hives and hay fever symptoms but does not provide immediate relief. Patients should not take more than a single, prescribed dose—even if symptoms are severe or a dose was missed—because overdose reactions are severe and may include fainting, irregular heartbeat, seizures, or cardiac arrest. Pos