PLACIDYL

Drug Name: PLACIDYL

PLACIDYL DESCRIPTION:
ETHCHLORVYNOL - ORAL (eth-klor-VYE-nohl)

COMMON PLACIDYL BRAND NAME(S):
Placidyl

PLACIDYL SIDE EFFECTS:
PLACIDYL causes drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid tasks requiring alertness. You may experience headache, stomach upset, dizziness or an unpleasant taste in the mouth during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: confusion, nightmares, loss of coordination, fainting, breathing difficulties, chest pains, irregular heartbeat, skin rash, itching, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PLACIDYL:
PLACIDYL: PLACIDYL is best taken 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime. Take PLACIDYL with food to prevent dizziness.

PLACIDYL USES:
PLACIDYL is used as a sleeping aid for short-term treatment of insomnia. It is usually not prescribed for longer than a one week period.

PLACIDYL PRECAUTIONS:
Avoid alcohol or other sedative type drugs while taking PLACIDYL as it can lead to extreme drowsiness. Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of PLACIDYL. Use cautiously. PLACIDYL is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since this medication may appear in breast milk, consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.

PLACIDYL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of "blood thinners" such as warfarin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PLACIDYL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, cough, unsteadiness, numbness, slow heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

PLACIDYL NOTES:
Take as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than prescribed. Tolerance may develop to this medication making it less effective with prolonged use. Do not stop taking PLACIDYL without your doctor's approval. Your dose may have to be gradually decreased if you have been taking it for some time.

MISSED PLACIDYL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

PLACIDYL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.