Pheniramine Maleate
Indications
Pheniramine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergic conditions such as hay fever and allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny or itchy nose, watery eyes), hives (urticaria), itching, allergic skin rashes and reactions to insect bites. The injection may be used by a doctor as an added treatment in severe allergic reactions, after Adrenaline. It is also found in some eye drops, combined with Naphazoline, for red, itchy allergic eyes.
How It Works
Pheniramine is an older (first-generation) antihistamine. It blocks histamine H1 receptors, so histamine released during an allergic reaction cannot cause itching, swelling, sneezing and a runny nose. It also enters the brain, which is why it often causes drowsiness.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults, tablets: usually 22.75 mg two to three times a day, or as the doctor advises.
- Children: syrup or tablets only as prescribed, based on age and weight.
- Injection: given slowly by a doctor or nurse into a muscle or vein, as prescribed.
- Eye drops (combination products): as directed on the leaflet or by the doctor, usually for a few days only.
Tablets can be taken with or after food.
Interactions
Alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives, anxiety medicines, opioid painkillers, other antihistamines and tricyclic antidepressants increase drowsiness. Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 2 weeks of stopping them. Other anticholinergic medicines add to dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and difficulty passing urine.
Contraindications
- Allergy to pheniramine or any ingredient of the product.
- Newborn and premature babies.
- Use of an MAOI now or within the last 2 weeks.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma, and enlarged prostate with difficulty passing urine, unless the doctor advises otherwise.
Side Effects
Common: drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, headache and difficulty passing urine. Children may sometimes become restless or excitable instead of drowsy. A quick injection into a vein can lower blood pressure.
Get urgent medical help if you have a fast or irregular heartbeat, severe confusion or hallucinations, fits (seizures), you cannot pass urine, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if the doctor advises it, and avoid it near delivery, as it may affect the newborn. It may pass into breast milk and make the baby drowsy or irritable, so ask the doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Do not drive, operate machinery or do anything that needs alertness if you feel drowsy. Avoid alcohol. Tell the doctor if you have glaucoma, prostate problems, epilepsy, asthma, heart disease, an overactive thyroid, or liver or kidney disease. Older people are more sensitive to drowsiness and confusion. Check combination cold products so you do not take two antihistamines.
Overdose
Overdose can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, agitation, widened pupils, hot dry skin, fever, a fast heartbeat and fits, especially in children. Seek emergency medical help straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Sedating antihistamine (H1 receptor antagonist, alkylamine type).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep injection ampoules in their carton to protect from light.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Pheniramine Maleate