Pheniramine
Encyclopedia
Pheniramine is an antihistamine
with anticholinergic
properties used to treat allergic
conditions such as hay fever
or urticaria
. It has relatively strong sedative effects, and may sometimes be used off-label as an over-the-counter sleeping pill in a similar manner to other sedating antihistamines such as diphenhydramine
.
Pheniramine is generally sold in combination with other medications, rather than as a stand-alone drug, although some formulations are available containing pheniramine by itself. As an example, Neo Citran contains pheniramine.
, dexbrompheniramine
, deschlorpheniramine, triprolidine
, and brompheniramine
. Two other halogenated derivatives, iodopheniramine and fluorpheniramine, are currently in use for research on combination therapies for malaria and some cancers. The halogenation
of pheniramine increases its potency by 20-fold.
and over-dosage may lead to sleep disorders. Overdose may lead to seizures, especially in combination with alcohol.
People combining with cortisol
in the long term should avoid Avil as it may cause lowered levels of adrenaline which may lead to loss of consciousness.
Antihistamine
An H1 antagonist is a histamine antagonist of the H1 receptor that serves to reduce or eliminate effects mediated by histamine, an endogenous chemical mediator released during allergic reactions...
with anticholinergic
Anticholinergic
An anticholinergic agent is a substance that blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and the peripheral nervous system. An example of an anticholinergic is dicycloverine, and the classic example is atropine....
properties used to treat allergic
Allergy
An Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid...
conditions such as hay fever
Hay Fever
Hay Fever is a comic play written by Noël Coward in 1924 and first produced in 1925 with Marie Tempest as the first Judith Bliss. Laura Hope Crews played the role in New York...
or urticaria
Urticaria
Urticaria is a kind of skin rash notable for pale red, raised, itchy bumps. Hives is frequently caused by allergic reactions; however, there are many non-allergic causes...
. It has relatively strong sedative effects, and may sometimes be used off-label as an over-the-counter sleeping pill in a similar manner to other sedating antihistamines such as diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is a first-generation antihistamine possessing anticholinergic, antitussive, antiemetic, and sedative properties which is mainly used to treat allergies. Like most other first-generation antihistamines, the drug also has a powerful hypnotic effect, and for this reason...
.
Pheniramine is generally sold in combination with other medications, rather than as a stand-alone drug, although some formulations are available containing pheniramine by itself. As an example, Neo Citran contains pheniramine.
Chemical relatives
Derivatives of pheniramine include chlorpheniramine, dexchlorpheniramineDexchlorpheniramine
Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic properties used to treat allergic conditions such as hay fever or urticaria...
, dexbrompheniramine
Dexbrompheniramine
Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic properties used to treat allergic conditions such as hay fever or urticaria. It is the pharmacologically active dextrorotatory isomer of brompheniramine...
, deschlorpheniramine, triprolidine
Triprolidine
Triprolidine is an over-the-counter antihistamine with anticholinergic properties. It is used to combat the symptoms associated with allergies and is sometimes combined with other cold medications designed to provide general relief for flu-like symptoms. Like many over-the-counter antihistamines,...
, and brompheniramine
Brompheniramine
Brompheniramine , commonly marketed as its salt brompheniramine maleate is an antihistamine drug of the propylamine class...
. Two other halogenated derivatives, iodopheniramine and fluorpheniramine, are currently in use for research on combination therapies for malaria and some cancers. The halogenation
Halogenation
Halogenation is a chemical reaction that incorporates a halogen atom into a molecule in substitution of hydrogen atom. Halogenation takes place in the gas phase. There are four types of halogenation: fluorination, chlorination, bromination, and iodination...
of pheniramine increases its potency by 20-fold.
Side effects
Avil may cause drowsiness, bradycardiaBradycardia
Bradycardia , in the context of adult medicine, is the resting heart rate of under 60 beats per minute, though it is seldom symptomatic until the rate drops below 50 beat/min. It may cause cardiac arrest in some patients, because those with bradycardia may not be pumping enough oxygen to their heart...
and over-dosage may lead to sleep disorders. Overdose may lead to seizures, especially in combination with alcohol.
People combining with cortisol
Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone, more specifically a glucocorticoid, produced by the adrenal gland. It is released in response to stress and a low level of blood glucocorticoids. Its primary functions are to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis; suppress the immune system; and aid in fat,...
in the long term should avoid Avil as it may cause lowered levels of adrenaline which may lead to loss of consciousness.
External links
- Leaflet on Avil by The Royal Australian College of General PractitionersRoyal Australian College of General PractitionersThe Royal Australian College Of General Practitioners is the professional body for General Practitioners in Australia.The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is responsible for maintaining standards for quality clinical practice, education and training, and research in Australian...