Longifene Ds Tab

LONGIFENE DS Tablet

LONGIFENE DS Tablet is an antihistamine medication manufactured by Mankind Pharma Ltd..

• Composition: Each tablet of LONGIFENE DS contains Buclizine (50 mg). Some sources indicate 12 mg of Buclizine per tablet.

• Uses: LONGIFENE DS Tablet is primarily used to alleviate symptoms associated with various allergic conditions such as rhinitis (hay fever), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), and urticaria (hives). It effectively reduces itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes caused by allergens. Furthermore, it is also prescribed for the prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, particularly in cases of motion sickness and vertigo.

• Dosage and Administration: LONGIFENE DS Tablet should be taken orally as advised by your doctor. It is typically recommended to take it immediately after food or preferably one hour before travel for motion sickness. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not chewed, crushed, or broken. The dosage and frequency depend on the condition being treated, and it is generally used once or twice a day. Consistency is key, and if a dose is missed, take the next dose as soon as remembered, but do not double up.

• Side Effects: Common side effects include sleepiness or drowsiness, and dry mouth. Other possible side effects may include dizziness, headache, increased appetite, blurred vision, low blood pressure, difficulty in urinating, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and skin rash. Most side effects are temporary and usually resolve as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if any persist or cause concern, consult your doctor.

• Precautions:

  • Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking LONGIFENE DS, as it can intensify drowsiness and sleepiness, impairing cognitive and motor skills.
  • Driving and Operating Machinery: This medication may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
  • Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, gastrointestinal obstruction, bladder neck obstruction, an enlarged prostate, increased pressure in the eye, epilepsy, seizure disorders, or liver/kidney problems, as this medicine should be used with caution in such conditions.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
  • Immune System: LONGIFENE DS can weaken the immune system, so it is advisable to avoid close contact with sick individuals or those with active infections.
  • Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a resurgence of the treated condition.

• Storage: Store LONGIFENE DS Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, and below 30°C. Keep it out of the reach and sight of children and pets.

Longifene DS Tablet is a medication containing Buclizine, an antihistamine with antiemetic and anti-allergic properties. It is primarily used to relieve allergic conditions and prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Longifene DS Tablet:

What is Longifene DS Tablet used for?

Longifene DS Tablet is mainly used to treat various allergic conditions, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and urticaria (hives). It is also effective in preventing and treating nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, especially those caused by motion sickness or vertigo. Additionally, it has been used to manage vertigo associated with diseases affecting the inner ear's vestibular apparatus. In some instances, it has been used as an appetite stimulant, though this use has been restricted in some regions due to a lack of rational use studies.

How does Longifene DS Tablet work?

Longifene DS Tablet contains Buclizine, which functions as an antihistamine. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the body, thereby reducing allergic symptoms. For nausea and vomiting, it inhibits the vomiting center in the brain from receiving nerve messages that cause motion sickness. It also possesses central anticholinergic properties and depresses labyrinth excitability and vestibular stimulation.

What is the usual dosage?

The dosage of Buclizine can vary based on the condition being treated and the patient's age and response to the medication. For motion sickness in adults and children over 12 years, a typical dose is 25-50 mg taken one hour before travel, with repeat doses every 4-6 or 24 hours if necessary, not exceeding a maximum of 100 mg daily. For allergic conditions, a similar adult dose of 25-50 mg as a single dose, with further doses as needed up to a maximum of 100 mg daily, may be prescribed. It is crucial to follow the prescription provided by a healthcare provider and not to alter the dose without medical advice. The tablet is usually taken 30 minutes before meals or immediately after food.

What are the possible side effects?

Common side effects of Longifene DS Tablet include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and increased appetite leading to weight gain. More serious but rare side effects can include allergic reactions (fever, chills, rash, breathing difficulty, swelling of face/lips/throat), urinary retention, and loss of coordination. If any side effects persist or worsen, it's advisable to consult a doctor.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Longifene DS Tablet (Buclizine) is generally not recommended during pregnancy and is classified under pregnancy category C. It is advisable to consult a doctor for further information if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. For breastfeeding mothers, it is preferably not recommended as it may pass into breast milk. Consultation with a doctor is essential to determine if the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Can it be taken with other medications?

Buclizine can interact with certain medications. It may enhance the sedative effects of central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, and painkillers. It can also interact with other antihistamines, antiepileptic medicines (e.g., Carbamazepine, Phenytoin), certain antibiotics (e.g., Clarithromycin), medicines for gout (e.g., Colchicine), HIV/AIDS medications (e.g., Indinavir, Nelfinavir), and antifungals (e.g., Itraconazole, Ketoconazole). It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

Patients with liver or kidney disease, alcoholic liver disease or alcohol dependence, prostate problems, convulsions, urinary retention, stomach obstruction, narrow-angle glaucoma, or a history of asthma or cardiovascular disease should use this medicine with caution and inform their doctor. Since Buclizine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, it is advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited as it may increase drowsiness and affect the medicine's activity.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Longifene DS Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine or a double dose to compensate for a missed dose, as this may increase the chance of adverse effects.

How should it be stored?

Longifene DS Tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. It should be kept out of the reach and sight of children. The typical storage temperature is between 15-30°C or below 30°C. Protect it from moisture and light.