Trimeprazine Description

Generic Name : TRIMEPRAZINE

Pronunciation : (trye mep' ra zeen)

Trade Name(s) : Vellergan

Why it is prescribed: Trimeprazine, an antihistamine, relieves the itching caused by eczema and various skin rashes, including allergic skin rashes caused by poison ivy.

When it is to be taken: Trimeprazine usually is taken four times a day or every 12 hours. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Do not take this drug more often or take more at each dose than as directed.

How it should be taken: Trimeprazine comes in the form of tablets, long-acting capsules, and oral liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not open extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.

Special Instruction : Trimeprazine can cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Side Effects :
1. Dry mouth, nose and throat. Suck sugarless lozenges or hard candies, chew sugarless gum, or drink fluids.
2. Stomach upset. Take the medication with meals or milk.
3. Vision problems, muscle weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, difficulty urinating, skin rash. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Because trimeprazine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunlamps, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen preparation.
2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
3. Before you take trmeprazine, tell your doctor if you have asthma or lung disease, glaucoma, a history of ulcers, difficulty urinating, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
4. Before you give trimeprazine to a child, tell the doctor if there is a family history of sudden infant death syndrome or if you regularly have difficulty waking the child.
5. Before you take trimeprazine, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially lithium, sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression or seizures, pain medication, or other medication for colds or allergies.
6. Do not use trimeprazine if you have taken an monoamine oxidase inhibitor in the last two weeks.
7. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.