Assess allergy symptoms (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, hives) before and periodically during therapy.
Assess lung sounds and character of bronchial secretions. Maintain fluid intake of 1500–2000 mL/day to ↓ viscosity of secretions.
Lab Test Considerations:
May cause false-negative result in allergy skin testing.
May cause transient ↑ in serum bilirubin and transaminases.
Implementation⬆⬇
PO: Administer once daily in the evening without regard to food. Oral solution is clear and colorless; administer undiluted.
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Explain purpose and side effects of medication to patient. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy. Instruct to take medication as directed. Do not ↑ doses; may cause ↑ drowsiness.
Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult health care provider before taking other medications.
May cause drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
Advise patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS depressants concurrently with this drug.
Advise patient that good oral hygiene, frequent rinsing of mouth with water, and sugarless gum or candy may minimize dry mouth. Patient should notify dentist if dry mouth persists >2 wk.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes⬆⬇
Decreased symptoms of histamine excess (rhinitis, itching).
