Mebcidal

Indications

Mebhydrolin is an antihistamine used to relieve allergic conditions such as hay fever and allergic runny nose (allergic rhinitis), hives (urticaria), itchy skin rashes, allergic skin reactions to insect bites, and itching from other allergic causes.

How It Works

When the body reacts to an allergen it releases histamine, which causes itching, sneezing, a runny nose and swelling. Mebhydrolin blocks histamine H1 receptors, so histamine cannot act on them and these symptoms are reduced. It also has a mild drying (anticholinergic) and sedating effect.

Dosage and Administration

The usual adult dose is 50 to 100 mg two to three times a day, up to a maximum of 300 mg a day, or as prescribed. Children's doses depend on age and are set by the doctor or shown on the label. It can be taken with or after food.

Interactions

Alcohol, sleeping tablets, sedating painkillers, anxiety medicines and other antihistamines can increase drowsiness. Medicines with anticholinergic effects, such as some antidepressants and MAO inhibitors, may increase dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention.

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to Mebhydrolin. Avoid in newborns and premature babies, and in people taking MAO inhibitors.

Side Effects

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, stomach upset and, less often, restlessness or nervousness, particularly in children. Rarely, it has been linked to a serious drop in white blood cells.

Get urgent medical help if you have fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers that do not go away (possible low white cells), swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, difficulty passing urine, or fits.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Safety in pregnancy is not well established; use only if your doctor advises it. It may pass into breast milk and cause drowsiness or irritability in the baby, so ask your doctor before use while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

It may cause drowsiness: do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you, and avoid alcohol. Use with care in glaucoma, enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine, epilepsy, liver disease, and in older people who are more prone to confusion and falls. If used for a long time, your doctor may check your blood count.

Overdose

Overdose can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, agitation, fast heartbeat, dilated pupils, fever and fits, especially in children. Seek emergency medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Sedating (first-generation) antihistamine, H1 receptor antagonist.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.