Alervil15 mg/5 ml

Pheniramine maleate is a first-generation antihistamine used for the relief of allergic conditions (hypersensitivity reactions), including:

• Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) with sneezing, itching, and runny nose
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Urticaria (hives) with itching, redness, and swelling
• Angioedema
• Eczema of nervous origin (neurodermatitis) with itching
• Prevention and treatment of motion sickness (in some formulations)

Injectable formulations are also used for prompt relief of acute allergic reactions, including as an adjunct in anaphylaxis management, under medical supervision.

Contains Alervil 15 mg/5 ml as the active ingredient, available as oral tablets (commonly 25 mg) and as an injectable solution for IM or IV use in acute allergic reactions.

Pheniramine maleate is a first-generation antihistamine from the alkylamine class, used for many decades to relieve the symptoms of allergic conditions such as hay fever, hives, and allergic conjunctivitis. Like other first-generation antihistamines, it crosses into the brain and commonly causes drowsiness, and it also has anticholinergic (drying) effects, which is why it needs to be used with caution in certain conditions such as glaucoma, prostate enlargement, or asthma. It is one of the older, more sedating antihistamines, in contrast to newer, non-drowsy antihistamines developed more recently.

Therapeutic Class: Antihistamine (First-Generation)

Pheniramine's antihistamine effect typically begins within 15-30 minutes of an oral dose and lasts an average of 16-19 hours, supporting once- to a few-times-daily dosing depending on the specific formulation and symptom severity. As a first-generation antihistamine, it readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, which accounts for its sedative effect, and it also has antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) and local anaesthetic-type properties, though the latter are unlikely to be clinically significant at standard doses.

• Take with food, not on an empty stomach
• Injectable formulations are administered only by a healthcare professional
• Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants while taking pheniramine, given additive sedative effects
• Use caution with driving or operating machinery, given the sedative effect

The following interactions require careful assessment:

• Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, opioids): additive sedative effects; avoid combining.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including phenelzine and tranylcypromine: intensify pheniramine's anticholinergic effects and should not be used together.
• Other anticholinergic medicines: may add to dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, or constipation.

Common side effects

• Drowsiness, sedation
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal upset

Serious side effects (seek medical attention)

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction to the medicine itself, including fixed drug eruption or other unusual skin reactions - rash, blistering, or skin lesions after taking pheniramine should be reported.
• In toxic doses: a mixed pattern of central nervous system excitatory and depressant effects, including possible hallucinations; accidental ingestion in small children has resulted in convulsions and, rarely, death.
• Difficulty urinating, particularly in men with prostate enlargement, given anticholinergic effects.
• Worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma symptoms: eye pain, vision changes.

Pregnancy

Pheniramine is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by a physician, given limited safety data; discuss use with your doctor if pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Pheniramine is generally not recommended during breastfeeding unless specifically prescribed by a physician; first-generation antihistamines can pass into breast milk and may cause drowsiness or irritability in a nursing infant.

• Sedation: avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you; avoid alcohol and other sedating medicines.
• Anticholinergic effects: use with caution and close monitoring in patients with prostatic hypertrophy, narrow-angle glaucoma, asthma, or severe cardiovascular disease, given pheniramine's anticholinergic activity.
• The anti-emetic (anti-nausea) effect of pheniramine may mask signs of other underlying conditions; do not rely on it to manage unexplained or persistent nausea without medical evaluation.
• Has potential for misuse, given possible CNS stimulant effects of antihistamines at higher-than-recommended doses.
• Take with food, not on an empty stomach.

Overdose of pheniramine, like other antihistamines, can produce a complex mix of central nervous system excitatory and depressant effects, including agitation, hallucinations, drowsiness, and, in severe cases, convulsions; accidental ingestion in small children has resulted in convulsions and, rarely, death. Suspected significant overdose, particularly in a child, is a medical emergency - seek emergency care or contact a poison control center immediately. Treatment is generally supportive, provided in a medical facility.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and light, as directed on the product label. Keep securely out of reach of children, given the serious risk of poisoning with accidental ingestion.

• Children under 5 years: Pheniramine maleate tablets are not recommended in this age group.
• Elderly: May be more sensitive to sedative and anticholinergic effects (confusion, urinary retention, constipation); use with caution.
• Asthma or severe cardiovascular disease: Use with caution and close monitoring, given anticholinergic effects.
• Prostatic hypertrophy or narrow-angle glaucoma: Use with caution, given the risk of anticholinergic effects worsening these conditions.

Pheniramine is generally used for short-term, symptomatic relief of allergic symptoms, or as needed for occasional allergic reactions or motion sickness prevention. For persistent or recurring allergy symptoms, consult a doctor about the most appropriate ongoing treatment approach.

Drug Class: Alkylamine-derivative H1 histamine receptor antagonist

Pheniramine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, preventing histamine (released during an allergic reaction) from producing its typical effects - itching, swelling, redness, and increased mucus production. Because it also blocks muscarinic (acetylcholine) receptors, it can cause drying effects such as dry mouth, and its action on the central nervous system's histamine receptors is responsible for its sedative properties.

Pheniramine maleate is used in children over 5 years of age for allergic symptoms, with a lower, weight-adjusted dose than adults; it is not recommended in children under 5 years, given increased sensitivity to antihistamine toxicity in this age group.