Uses

What is Fenistil® (dimethindene) used for?

Fenistil® is commonly used for relieving itching (pruritus) associated with a number of skin inflammatory processes (dermatitis), insect bites, burns and urticaria (itching due to an allergic reaction). It also has local anesthetic effect.

How should I take Fenistil® (dimethindene)?

Take Fenistil® directly as direction of doctor and pharmacist.

How do I store Fenistil® (dimethindene)?

Fenistil® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Fenistil® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Fenistil® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Fenistil® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Fenistil® (dimethindene)?

This medicine should be avoided in patients allergic to the active substance dimethindene. Also, it should be avoided in patients who have open wound and third-degree burns or fourth-degree burns. It should not be used near the eyes or on mucous membranes.

It should be avoided in children under the age of 2 unless your doctor recommended.

Do not use this medicine on large areas of the body due to possible systemic resorption and an increased risk of side effects.

Avoid increased exposure to sunlight while using this medicine, because your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight than usual (photosensitivity).

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Fenistil® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Fenistil®. Fenistil® is pregnancy risk category C, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

A=No risk
B=No risk in some studies
C=There may be some risk
D=Positive evidence of risk
X=Contraindicated
N=Unknown

Breastfeeding

Avoid breastfeeding if you are applying Fenistil® gel or cream onto the breast.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Fenistil® (dimethindene)?

Some side effects can happen when using Fenistil®, including:

Central nervous system such as depression, excitation, dryness of mouth and headache
Heart such as fast heart rate and abnormal heart rhythm
Allergic reactions such as burning, and dryness
Gastrointestinal such as nausea, dry mouth, constipation, and stomach upset
Miscellaneous such as increased sputum, urinary retention, blurred vision and blood dyscrasias.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Fenistil® (dimethindene)?

Fenistil® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Does food or alcohol interact with Fenistil® (dimethindene)?

Fenistil® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Fenistil® (dimethindene)?

Fenistil® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Fenistil® (dimethindene).

What is the dose of Fenistil® (dimethindene) for an adult?

Dosage for capsules:

You should take it once a day, regardless of the food. It can be used only in adults.

PO- 1-2 mg 3 times/day.

Dosage for gel and cream:

Apply a thin layer of Fenistil® on the affected area, 2 to 4 times a day. Do not apply gel or cream on large areas of the body.

Dosage for syrup:

30-60 ml per day (3-6 tablespoons)

What is the dose of Fenistil® (dimethindene) for a child?

Dosage for drops:

Children aged 2 to 6 years, 10 drops three times a day.

Children aged 6 to 9 years, 15 drops three times a day.

Children aged 9 to 12 years, 20 drops three times a day.

Note: 20 drops contains 1 g of active substance (dimethindene)

Drops should be added to food just before eating when food is lukewarm. It can also be given with a spoon, without mixing with other liquids.

Dosage for syrup:

Children under the age of 1, 5 – 15ml per day (1 – 3 teaspoons).

Children aged 1 to 3 years, 15 – 20ml per day (3 – 4 teaspoons).

Children above the age of 3, 20 – 30ml per day (2-3 tablespoons).

Children above the age of 12, 30 – 60ml per day (3-6 tablespoons)

How is Fenistil® (dimethindene) available?

Fenistil® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

Capsule; Oral; Dimethindene Maleate 4 mg
Drops; Oral; Dimethindene Maleate 1 mg/ml
Gel; Topical; Dimethindene Maleate 0.1%
Syrup; Oral; Dimethindene Maleate

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Fenistil®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.