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Pheniramine and phenylephrine

Generic name: pheniramine and phenylephrine [ fen-IR-a-meen-and-FEN-il-EFF-rin ]
Brand name: Alahist D
Dosage form: oral tablet (17.5 mg-10 mg)
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 5, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is pheniramine and phenylephrine?

Pheniramine and phenylephrine is a combination antihistamine and decongestant medicine that is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Pheniramine and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Pheniramine and phenylephrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

pheniramine and phenylephrine may cause serious side effects. Stop using pheniramine and phenylephrine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of pheniramine and phenylephrine may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use pheniramine and phenylephrine if you are allergic to pheniramine or phenylephrine.

Do not use pheniramine and phenylephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

How should I take pheniramine and phenylephrine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or allergy medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Pheniramine and phenylephrine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Pheniramine 17 mg/phenylephrine 10 mg tablets: 1 tablet orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 6 tablets in 24 hours
Duration of therapy: 7 days

Use: Temporary relief of cold and allergy symptoms (rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy nose, throat, or eyes).

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Pheniramine 17 mg/phenylephrine 10 mg tablets:

12 years and older: 1 tablet orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 6 tablets in 24 hours
Duration of therapy: 7 days

6 to under 12 years: One-half tablet orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 3 tablets in 24 hours
Duration of therapy: 7 days


Use: Temporary relief of cold and allergy symptoms (rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy nose, throat, or eyes).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since pheniramine and phenylephrine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking pheniramine and phenylephrine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how pheniramine and phenylephrine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of pheniramine.

What other drugs will affect pheniramine and phenylephrine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.