Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine. If you are not sure about anything or have any questions ask your pharmacist or doctor.

The name of your medicine is Triludan Forte tablets. Each tablet contains 120 mg of the active ingredient terfenadine. The tablets contain no dyes or preservatives. The other ingredients are maize starch, lactose, gelatin, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium stearate.

Each pack contains 30 or 7 tablets. The tablets are white convex, capsule-shaped with an inscribed 'T', 'F' and breakline on one side.

Terfenadine is one of a group of medicines called antihistamines. Antihistamines relieve the symptoms of hayfever, perennial rhinitis and some allergic skin conditions.

The product licence for Triludan Forte tablets is held by: Marion Merrell Ltd, Broadwater Park, Denham, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB9 5HP.

The manufacturers are Marion Merrell SA, Boulevard de Champarey, 38317 Bourgoin-Jallieu, France; Gruppo Lepetit SpA, Localita Valcanello, Casella Postale N46, 03012, Anagni, Italy.

Triludan Forte is an antihistamine. Antihistamines relieve the symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, blocked or runny nose, that occur with hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and a similar condition called perennial rhinitis that continues throughout the year.

They also relieve the redness, swelling and itching of some allergic skin complaints including nettle rash and reactions to insect bites and stings.

In some circumstances it is very important not to take Triludan Forte and these are listed below. If you ignore these instructions, this medicine could affect your heart rhythm.

Do not take Triludan Forte if you are taking:

• ketoconazole by mouth or itraconazole (medicines for fungus infections)
• erythromycin (an antibiotic)

These will have been prescribed for you by a doctor and sometimes are known by other names. Check below for other medicines.

Also do not take Triludan Forte if you

• know that you have a liver problem
• have ever had a reaction to products containing terfenadine
• have an abnormal heart tracing (ECG) (long QT interval)
• have abnormal blood electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, magnesium)

Before taking your medicine always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines. In particular you should be sure to say if you are taking:

These might cause problems for some people: your doctor or pharmacist will be able to help you.

Also before taking your medicine, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you:

• are pregnant
• could be pregnant
• are breast feeding

Tests show that Triludan Forte does not cause drowsiness so that you can usually drive while you are on treatment with Triludan Forte. However there may be rare exceptions so make sure that you are not affected in this way before driving or carrying out tasks requiring concentration.

Take your tablets with water. You may take them with or without food.

Allergic skin conditions: One tablet once daily.

Hayfever, rhinitis: Half a tablet once daily. Increase to one tablet once daily if required.

If you accidentally take too many tablets, ask your doctor for advice at once or go to the nearest hospital casualty department.

If you miss a tablet do not take extra to make up, but continue with the next dose as usual.

If the tablets do not work do not take extra tablets; tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Most people have no side-effects with Triludan Forte but as with all medicines it may not suit everyone. There may occasionally be problems although these are rare.

• Fits, fainting and/or palpitations (pounding heart)
• Unexpected swelling
• Tight chest or wheezing

Other possible side-effects are:

• Stomach upset
• Headache or dizziness
• Disturbed sleep/nightmares
• Hair loss
• Rash/sunlight sensitivity
• Depression or confusion
• Jaundice/liver problems
• Menstrual problems
• Aches and pains/pins and needles
• Sweating/trembling
• Slight disturbance

If you notice anything else unusual or have any unexpected effects, tell your pharmacist or doctor.

Do not use your medicine after the expiry date on the box. Return unwanted tablets to the pharmacist. Keep your medicine in a safe place where children cannot reach it.