What is pheniramine/ pyrilamine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylpropanolamine?
Pheniramine, pyrilamine, and phenyltoloxamine are antihistamines. They block the effects of the
naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Pheniramine, pyrilamine, and phenyltoloxamine
prevent sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.
Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and
arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing)
passages to open up.
Pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine is used to treat nasal congestion
and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk
of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may
also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine may also be used for purposes
other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pheniramine/ pyrilamine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylpropanolamine?
Do not take pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine if you have
taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to
serious side effects.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
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kidney disease,
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liver disease,
-
diabetes,
-
glaucoma,
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any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,
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thyroid disease,
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emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or
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difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.
You may not be able to take
pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine is in the FDA pregnancy
category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine passes into breast milk and
may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from
pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine. You may require a lower dose of this
medication.
Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a
child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may
have unusual reactions.
How should I take pheniramine/ pyrilamine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylpropanolamine?
Take pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine exactly as directed. If you
do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or break the long-acting or sustained-release forms of this medication.
Swallow them whole. If you are unsure about the formulation of the medicine, ask your pharmacist for
help.
If you cannot swallow the tablets or capsules, look for a liquid form of this medication.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of
pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine with a special dose-measuring spoon or
cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist
where you can get one.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose can cause serious
harm.
Do not take pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine for longer than 7
days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, talk to your
doctor.
Store pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of pheniramine/ pyrilamine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylpropanolamine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
take a
double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about pheniramine/ pyrilamine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylpropanolamine?
Your pharmacist has information about pheniramine/ pyrilamine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylpropanolamine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pheniramine/ pyrilamine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylpropanolamine?
Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking
pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine and seek emergency medical attention if
you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine and talk to your doctor or try another
similar medication if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about pheniramine/ pyrilamine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylpropanolamine?
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk
of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may
also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If
you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking this
medication.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve,
or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking pheniramine/ pyrilamine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylpropanolamine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If
you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine.
What other drugs will affect pheniramine/ pyrilamine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylpropanolamine?
Do not take pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine if you have
taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to
serious side effects.
Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking
pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine without first talking to your doctor or
pharmacist. Other medications may also contain pheniramine, pyrilamine, phenyltoloxamine,
phenylpropanolamine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally take too much of these medicines.
Pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine may increase the effects of
other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain
relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or
drowsiness may occur if pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine is taken with
any of these medications.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylpropanolamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of pheniramine/ pyrilamine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylpropanolamine?