Pheniramine Maleate

Pheniramine Maleate is a first-generation antihistamine medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny nose and itching.
• Urticaria and other itchy allergic skin conditions.
• Adjunctive treatment of allergic reactions when an antihistamine is appropriate.
• Injection may be used by healthcare professionals for acute allergic conditions as part of appropriate medical management.

Adult dosing depends on the dosage form, strength, severity of symptoms and the patient’s medical condition. Oral forms are usually taken in divided doses as directed by a doctor or pharmacist. Injectable pheniramine should be given only by a trained healthcare professional, usually by slow intravenous or intramuscular administration when clinically needed. Follow the prescribed dose and do not exceed the recommended frequency.

• Common: drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, constipation and tiredness.
• May cause difficulty passing urine, especially in susceptible patients.
• Children and older adults may sometimes experience confusion, agitation or paradoxical excitation.
• Serious but uncommon: severe allergic reaction, fast or irregular heartbeat, marked confusion, seizures, severe dizziness or breathing difficulty. Seek urgent medical help if these occur.

Use with caution in older adults and in people with glaucoma, enlarged prostate or urinary retention, liver disease, epilepsy, asthma or other chronic breathing problems, heart disease or high blood pressure. Avoid alcohol and other sedating medicines unless a doctor advises otherwise. This medicine may impair alertness; do not drive or operate machinery if drowsy. Use under a registered doctor's or pharmacist's guidance.

• Alcohol can increase drowsiness and impaired coordination.
• Other sedating medicines, such as sleeping tablets, opioid pain medicines, anxiety medicines, some antidepressants and antipsychotics, may increase sedation and breathing-related risks.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may intensify anticholinergic and sedative effects; avoid use unless specifically directed by a doctor.
• Other anticholinergic medicines may increase dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and urinary retention.

• Known hypersensitivity to pheniramine, other similar antihistamines or any component of the product.
• Use in newborn or premature infants is not recommended unless a specialist specifically advises.
• Do not use to treat an acute asthma attack or severe breathing difficulty as the only treatment.
• Avoid use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.

During pregnancy, pheniramine should be used only when clearly needed and on medical advice. During breastfeeding, it may cause infant drowsiness or irritability and high or repeated doses may reduce milk supply; consult a doctor before use.

Store at room temperature, protected from light and moisture, and keep out of the reach of children. Do not freeze injections unless the product label specifically allows it. Do not use after the expiry date or if the medicine looks damaged, discoloured or contaminated.