Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine, even if you have used Hydergine tablets before. This leaflet provides information on your medicine. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist (chemist) for advice.

Hydergine tablets contain co-dergocrine mesylate.

Hydergine tablets are available in two strengths. They contain either:

• 1.5 mg co-dergocrine mesylate BP (tablets marked Hydergine 1.5) or
• 4.5 mg co-dergocrine mesylate BP (tablets marked Hydergine 4.5)

Both tablet strengths contain the following inactive ingredients: polyvinylpyrrolidone, talc, maize starch and lactose. The 1.5 mg tablet also contains stearic acid and the 4.5 mg tablet also contains magnesium stearate.

Packs of Hydergine 1.5 mg contain 100 tablets.

Packs of Hydergine 4.5 mg contain 28 tablets.

The name of your medicine is Hydergine. It is used to help elderly people who are suffering from the symptoms of ageing, such as memory loss and confusion.

Hydergine tablets are manufactured by: Sandoz Pharmaceuticals (UK) Ltd. Camberley Lane, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4RP.

Hydergine is used to help elderly people who are suffering from the symptoms of ageing such as memory loss and confusion.

Tell your doctor before you start taking Hydergine tablets if the answer to any of the following questions is yes:

• Do you suspect that you have had an allergic reaction to, or been upset by any of the ingredients in Hydergine (listed in 'What's in Your Medicine')?
• Have you been told you suffer from a slow heart beat (bradycardia)?

Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take

and when to take it. If you are unsure about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist (chemist) for advice.

The usual daily dose of Hydergine is 4.5 mg. This is usually given as one 1.5 mg tablet three times a day or as a single 4.5 mg tablet once a day.

Hydergine tablets should be taken before food.

If you feel dizzy or lightheaded after taking Hydergine, do NOT drive or operate machinery.

Remove the tablet from the foil (as shown in the picture).

Place the tablet in your mouth.

Take a mouthful of water.

Then swallow the tablet with the water.

You may drink more water afterwards.

If you accidentally take too much of your medicine tell your doctor immediately, or go to your nearest Casualty Department, taking your pack of Hydergine with you.

If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next tablet, in which case go on as before.

Most people benefit from taking this medicine, but a few people can be upset by it.

Side-effects that have sometimes been reported in patients taking Hydergine tablets include stomach upsets or stomach cramps, hot/cold flushes, skin rashes, nasal stuffiness, headaches and dizziness or lightheadedness when standing.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist (chemist) if you suffer from any of these effects, or from any other side-effects not mentioned in this leaflet.

Store your medicine in its pack, protected from light.

Keep your medicine in a safe place where children cannot reach it. Your medicine could harm them.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date shown on the carton/blister foil.

If your doctor decides to stop your treatment, return any leftover medicine to the pharmacist (chemist). Only keep it if your doctor tells you to.

REMEMBER: This medicine is only for you. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to anyone else. It may harm them, even if their symptoms appear to be the same as yours.

If you have any further questions about your medicine or are unsure about any of the advice in this leaflet, ask your doctor or pharmacist /chemist).

Leaflet produced: December 1993.