It is used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and hives of the skin. Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Histamine can also cause some persons to have hives, with severe itching of the skin.
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes. In animal studies, this medicine did not cause birth defects but did cause a decrease in weight of the infant. Discuss with your doctor whether or not you should continue to use this medicine if you become pregnant.