Generic
Pheniramine Maleate
9 brands available in the market
At a glance
Pheniramine Maleate is an antiallergic medication used for allergic conditions including hay fever, drug rashes, angioneurotic edema, serum sickness, allergic conjunctivitis, and food allergy. It is a competitive H1 histamine receptor antagonist that reduces itching, vasodilation, and capillary leakage.
Description
Pheniramine is a competitive H1 histamine receptor antagonist. Like other alkylamine antihistamines, it is also an antagonist of muscarinic cholinergic receptors and possesses local anesthetic properties. It competes with histamine for the H1 receptor and acts as an inverse agonist, resulting in reduced itching, vasodilation, and capillary leakage.
Indications
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Hay fever
- Drug rashes
- Angioneurotic edema
- Serum sickness
- Food allergy
- Vasomotor rhinitis and acute rhinitis
- Neurodermatitis, eczema, lichen planus, acute and chronic urticaria
- Prevention and treatment of motion sickness
- Nausea, vomiting, and vertigo due to Meniere's disease and other labyrinthine disturbances
Therapeutic class
Sedating Anti-histamine
Pharmacological class
H1 Antihistamine (First Generation)
Pharmacology
Pheniramine competes with histamine for the H1 receptor and acts as an inverse agonist. Reduction in H1 receptor activity is responsible for reduced itching, vasodilation, and capillary leakage. Inverse agonism of the H1 receptor in the CNS is responsible for sedation. Binding to H4 receptors may also contribute to reduced itching by antagonizing inflammation.
Mechanism of action
Blocks H1 histamine receptors to reduce allergic reactions.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Allergic conditions: 15-30 mg twice or three times daily (syrup); Tablet: Up to 45 mg three times daily; Max: 3 mg/kg/day
- Motion sickness prophylaxis: First dose at least 30 minutes before travel
- Elderly: Adult dose with caution
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- 5-10 years: Half a 45 mg tablet up to three times daily
- >10 years: 15-30 mg twice or three times daily; Max: 3 mg/kg/day
- Motion sickness prophylaxis: First dose at least 30 minutes before travel
- Under 5 years: Tablets not recommended
Administration
- Administered by doctor or nurse as injection; do not self-administer
- Oral: Take with or soon after food
- Follow the prescribed dose
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; if almost time for next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Drowsiness/sedation (most common)
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blurred vision
- Urinary retention
- Muscular weakness
Precautions & warnings
- May decrease alertness and cause drowsiness or dizziness; do not drive if these occur
- Avoid alcohol (may cause excessive drowsiness)
- Caution in prostatic hypertrophy, narrow angle glaucoma, asthma, or severe cardiovascular disease
- Anti-emetic effect may mask signs of other conditions
- Do not take on an empty stomach
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pheniramine or any ingredient
- Symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy
- Patients receiving MAOI therapy
- Newborn and premature infants
Drug interactions
- MAOIs: May prolong and intensify anticholinergic effect
- Alcohol, hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers: Enhanced CNS adverse effects
- Atropine and related drugs: Enhanced anticholinergic activity
- Potentially fatal: Potentiation of CNS depression by alcohol, sedatives, opioids, barbiturates, hypnotics, narcoleptics
Food interactions
Take with food for better absorption.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category A; use only if strictly indicated.
Pregnancy Category: A — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk; larger doses or prolonged use may cause sleepiness in the baby.
Pediatric use
Tablets not recommended in children under 5 years; contraindicated in neonates and premature infants.
Geriatric use
Elderly patients should use the adult dose with caution.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information on use in kidney disease; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information on use in liver disease; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Combination of CNS excitatory and depressant effects; children may experience convulsions and death. Treatment: Symptomatic and supportive; gastric lavage; diazepam or short-acting barbiturates for convulsions; vasopressors for hypotension.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; do not use after expiry date; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Pheniramine Maleate