Pheniramine and phenylephrine

Pheniramine and phenylephrine is a combination medicine that works as an antihistamine and decongestant. It is used to relieve 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 other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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.

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

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

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

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

• asthma or another breathing issue such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis;
• high blood pressure or heart disease;
• an enlarged prostate and problems with urination;
• glaucoma;
• diabetes; or
• a thyroid problem.

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.

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 right away if you have:

• nervousness;
• dizziness; or
• trouble sleeping.

Common side effects of pheniramine and phenylephrine may include:

• drowsiness;
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children);
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• constipation; or
• blurred vision, double vision.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Pheniramine 17 mg/phenylephrine 10 mg tablets: 1 tablet orally every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 tablets in 24 hoursDuration of therapy: 7 daysUse: 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 hoursMaximum dose: 6 tablets in 24 hoursDuration of therapy: 7 days6 to under 12 years: One-half tablet orally every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 3 tablets in 24 hoursDuration of therapy: 7 daysUse: Temporary relief of cold and allergy symptoms (rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy nose, throat, or eyes).

Since pheniramine and phenylephrine is used as needed, you might not have a set dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it’s nearly time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.

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

• 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.

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