Triludan

Suspension

Terfenadine

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.

What is in your medicine?

The name of your medicine is Triludan Suspension. Each 5 ml of suspension contains 30 mg of the active ingredient terfenadine. The suspension contains no dyes. The other ingredients are Polysorbate sodium carboxymethylcellulose, magnesium aluminium silicate benzyl alcohol, Iycasin, banana flavour, saccharin sodium and purified water.

Each pack contains 200 ml of suspension. The suspension is a white, sugar-free, banana-flavoured liquid which you swallow.

What you should know about Triludan Suspension

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 Suspension 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 and Gruppo Lepetit SpA, Localita Valcanello, Casella Postale N46, 03012, Anagni, Italy.

What is Triludan Suspension for?

Triludan 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.

When should you not take Triludan Suspension

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

Do not take Triludan Suspension 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 Suspension 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

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:

  • astemizole (another antihistamine)
  • medicines for palpitations or disturbance in heart rhythm (antiarrhythmics)
  • medicines for psychiatric disorders (neuroleptics or tricyclic antidepressants)
  • medicines to make you pass water (diuretics)
  • antibiotics (other macrolides such as clarithromycin)
  • antifungals (other imidazoles)
  • 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

    Driving and Triludan Suspension

    Tests show that Triludan Suspension does not cause drowsiness so that you can usually drive while you are on treatment with this product. 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.

    Taking your medicine

    Triludan Suspension is a liquid which you should swallow. A measuring spoon is provided in the box for you to measure your dose. If you lose your spoon, your pharmacist can give you another one or a special syringe to measure the dose.

    Adults and children over 12 years:

    Hayfever, allergic rhinitis: Two 5 ml spoonfuls once daily or one 5 ml spoonful twice daily. Increase to four 5 ml spoonfuls once daily or two 5 ml spoonfuls twice daily.

    Allergic skin conditions: Four 5 ml spoonfuls once daily or two 5 ml spoonfuls twice daily.

    Children:

    Hayfever, allergic rhinitis, allergic skin conditions

    6 to 12 years: one 5 ml spoonful twice daily.

    Children 3 to 6 years: One 2.5 ml spoonful twice daily.

    Do not take more than the maximum dose recommended above

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

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

    If the medicine does not work do not take extra spoonfuls; tell your doctor or pharmacist.

    After taking your medicine

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

    If you get any of the following stop taking the medicine and tell your pharmacist or doctor straight away:

    • 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 & needles
    • Sweating/trembling
    • Slight disturbance

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

    Storing your medicine

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

    Date of preparation: January 1996