Clemastine (Generic)

What is Clemastine?
Clemastine is a prescription antihistamine for dogs and cats. Clemastine is used in for the treatment of allergies and atopy, primarily to stop itching.

Who is it for?
Clemastine is for cats and dogs.

What are the benefits?

How does Clemastine work?
Clemastine works by blocking the actions of histamine in the body. Histamine is the chemical responsible for many of the symptoms seen when an allergic reaction occurs. Clemastine belongs to a group of antihistamines called H1 blockers.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Clemastine is a generic medication.

How is it given?
Clemastine is given by mouth. Duration of treatment depends on the reason for and response to treatment. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

What results can I expect?
Clemastine will not cure allergies, but can help reduce the symptoms. The effects will disappear if the medication is discontinued.

What form(s) does it come in?
Tablet

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Tavist

Pronunciation
KLEM-as-teen

Common Drug Name
Clemastine fumarate.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Clemastine?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is taking Clemastine. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected. You and your veterinarian should talk about any other treatment options that are recommended for your pet.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has prostate disease, urinary obstruction, heart disease, glaucoma, or gastrointestinal obstruction, is pregnant or may be used for breeding.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking. Also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Clemastine is not a cure, and symptoms will return if the Clemastine is discontinued. This medication may cause sedation.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to it. Use with caution in animals with glaucoma, enlarged prostate, severe cardiac failure, or obstruction of the urinary bladder (problems urinating), or obstruction of the pylorus (junction between the stomach and intestine). Do not use in working animals (military dogs, police dogs, seeing eye dogs, hearing dogs, etc.) as it may cause too much sedation. Clemastine may enter the milk and have adverse effects on the young.

What side effects may be seen when taking Clemastine?
Dogs: Side effects include dry mouth, sleepiness, sedation, or hyperexcitability.
Cats: Most common side effect is diarrhea.

How is it stored?
Store in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Clemastine?
Consult your veterinarian before using Clemastine with vitamins and supplements, other central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs such as barbiturates or antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as furazolidine, selegiline (Anipryl), isoniazid, or amitraz (an ingredient in some tick collars, and in Mitaban, a treatment for mange), or flea and tick collars, since interactions may occur.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.