Pheniramine
Introduction To Pheniramine
Pheniramine is an antihistamine used to treat allergic conditions (such as hay fever, drug rashes, allergic conjunctivitis, food allergy, etc.), respiratory tract conditions, and other skin conditions. It effectively reduces the severity, duration, and occurrence of symptoms and provides quick relief.
Pheniramine is also used to treat and prevent motion sickness, symptoms of Meniere's disease (such as nausea, vomiting and vertigo), and other associated labyrinthine disturbances.
It is given as an injection into veins or muscles under the supervision of a doctor. It should be used as per the instruction of your doctor. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. You should take Pheniramine for as long as it is prescribed for you.
Sedation is the most common side effect of Pheniramine. Avoid driving or attention-seeking activities. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. In some cases, it may cause dry mouth, so it is advised to drink more water, always carry sugar candy or maintain oral hygiene.
Before taking Pheniramine, let your doctor know if you have glaucoma, asthma, or high blood pressure. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Generally, it is advised to avoid alcohol while on treatment with Pheniramine.
Uses of Pheniramine
- Treatment of Allergic conditions
- Treatment of Respiratory disease with excessive mucus
- Treatment of Skin conditions with inflammation & itching
- Treatment and prevention of Meniere's disease
Benefits of Pheniramine
Treatment of Allergic conditions
Pheniramine provides relief from symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose,
sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. This will make it easier for you to go
about your daily activities. It can also give relief from allergic reactions
after insect bites and symptoms of hives and eczema such as rash, swelling,
itching, and irritation.
Pheniramine rarely has any serious side effects and you may only need to take it on days you have symptoms. If you are taking it to prevent getting symptoms you should use it regularly to get the most benefit.
Side effects of Pheniramine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Phentix
- Sedation
How to use Pheniramine
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Pheniramine works
Pheniramine is an antiallergic medication. It works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger (histamine). This relieves symptoms of severe allergic reactions due to insect bite/sting, certain medicines, hives (rashes, swelling etc).
Quick tips
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Inform your doctor if you have any other allergies including food allergies.
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Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Pheniramine, as it may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.
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Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, e.g., anti-depressants.
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Keep sipping water or have sugar-free gum in order to relieve dryness in the mouth.
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Avoid stepping outside during peak pollen season and protect yourself from dust and mites at home.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Pheniramine if I’m pregnant?
Information regarding the use of Pheniramine during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Pheniramine if I’m breastfeeding?
Pheniramine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. Larger doses or prolonged use of Pheniramine may cause sleepiness and other effects in the baby
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Pheniramine safe?
Pheniramine may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Pheniramine?
Pheniramine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Pheniramine if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Pheniramine in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Pheniramine if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Pheniramine in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I take paracetamol with Pheniramine?
Yes, paracetamol can be taken with Pheniramine. They are used together in conditions when the patient has a fever along with symptoms of allergy (like running nose, tearing of eyes etc).
Q. Can Pheniramine cause sleep?
Pheniramine has strong sleep-inducing effects. It is therefore not prescribed if a person is involved in any work that requires mental alertness.
Q. Can Pheniramine cause weight loss?
No, Pheniramine is not known to cause weight loss.
Q. Are Pheniramine and chlorpheniramine same?
No, Pheniramine and Chlorpheniramine are not same. They are similar in chemical structure and both are older antihistaminics. Pheniramine does not contain chlorine in it whereas Chlorpheniramine does. However, both are used in the treatment of allergic conditions.
Q. Can I take vitamin C with Pheniramine?
Yes, vitamin C has a role in improving the immunity so it is given with Pheniramine for relieving the symptoms of common cold. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.
Q. Can the use of Pheniramine increase blood pressure?
Pheniramine does not cause an increase in blood pressure. Please consult your doctor if you have increased blood pressure after taking Pheniramine as it would require proper diagnosis and treatment.
Q. Is Pheniramine a steroid?
No, Pheniramine is not a steroid. It is an antihistaminic medicine used in the treatment of some allergic conditions.
Q. How is Pheniramine given?
Pheniramine is administered either slowly by intravenous route (1ml per minute) or intramuscularly.
Q. What is the dose of Pheniramine?
The dose of Pheniramine is 1-2 mL twice a day given intramuscularly or via slow intravenous injection.
Q. Can Pheniramine cause dry mouth?
Dry mouth may occur as a side effect. Frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, increased water intake and sugarless candy may help.
Q. Does Pheniramine cause drowsiness?
Yes, Pheniramine causes drowsiness. Both the dosage and the time of administration should be carefully considered in patients whose activities (e.g., driving a vehicle or operating machinery) demand special concentration.
Q. Can Pheniramine be given to patients with severe liver disease?
Pheniramine present in Pheniramine is metabolised in the liver. Thus, your doctor will consider dose adjustments in case you have severe liver disease.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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