Should be taken on an empty stomach (i.e. At least one hour before food or four hours after food).
Precautions
Prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, glaucoma, pyloroduodenal obstruction, epilepsy; children and elderly. Avoid in patients with cardiac disease, significant hepatic disease, known or suspected prolongation of the QT interval, hypokalaemia and other electrolyte imbalances. Not to exceed recommended doses due to risk of arrhythmias.
Potentially Life-threatening
Adverse Drug Reactions
Ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.
Interactions
Imidazole, triazole antifungals, and the macrolide antibacterials inhibit the hepatic metabolism of astemizole. Avoid concomitant admin of other potentially arrhythmogenic drugs. Co-admin with diuretics may cause electrolyte imbalance. Concurrent use with terfenadine is not recommended.