Pheniramine (INN, trade name Avil, among others) 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 also commonly found in eyedrops used for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.
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 chlorphenamine, dexchlorpheniramine, 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.
Side effects
Pheniramine may cause drowsiness, bradycardia 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 pheniramine as it may cause lowered levels of adrenaline (epinephrine) which may lead to loss of consciousness.
See also
- Tripelennamine
- Diphenhydramine
- Doxylamine
References
- Leaflet on Avil by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
External links
- MedlinePlus Encyclopedia Pheniramine overdose