Micromedex Detailed Drug Information for the Consumer [Internet]. Truven Health Analytics; 1974-2016.

Antihistamine/Decongestant Combination (Oral route)

Brand Name(s)

In the US: Alavert-D 12-Hour, Aldex D, AllanVan-S, Allegra-D, BPM Pseudo, Bromfed-PD, Ceron, Deconamine SR, Pediatex 12D, Pediatex-D, Ryneze, Semprex-D, Tannate Pediatric, Tripohist D, Uni-Tann D, Zymine, ZyrTEC-D

In Canada: Benylin For Allergies, Cold Relief, Corsym, Dimetapp Infant, Dimetapp Infant Drops, Ornade, Ornade A.F., Snaplets-D, Triaminic Cold And Allergy

Dosage forms

Solution Capsule Suspension Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Extended Release Capsule, Extended Release Syrup Tablet Elixir Tablet, Disintegrating Suspension, Extended Release Tablet, Extended Release, 24 HR Liquid Capsule, Extended Release, 24 HR Kit

Uses of This Medicine

In November 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health warning regarding phenylpropanolamine (PPA) due to the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The FDA, supported by results of a research program, requested that manufacturers voluntarily discontinue marketing products that contain PPA and that consumers work with their healthcare providers to select alternative products.

Antihistamine and decongestant combinations are used to treat the nasal congestion (stuffy nose), sneezing, and runny nose caused by colds and hay fever.

Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Antihistamines contained in these combinations are:

acrivastine, azatadine, brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, dexbrompheniramine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, pheniramine, phenyltoloxamine, promethazine, pyrilamine, and triprolidine.

The decongestants, such as phenylephrine, and pseudoephedrine, produce a narrowing of blood vessels. This leads to clearing of nasal congestion, but it may also cause an increase in blood pressure in patients who have high blood pressure.

Some of these combinations are available only with your doctor’s prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper dose of the medicine for your medical condition.

Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years of age. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects .

Before Using This Medicine

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children

Very young children are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Increases in blood pressure, nightmares or unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability may be more likely to occur in children. Before giving any of these combination medicines to a child, check the package label very carefully. Some of these medicines are too strong for use in children. If you are not certain whether a specific product can be given to a child, or if you have any questions about the amount to give, check with your health care professional.

Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years of age. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects .

Older Adults

Confusion, difficult and painful urination, dizziness, drowsiness, dryness of mouth, or convulsions (seizures) may be more likely to occur in the elderly, who are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Also, nightmares or unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability may be more likely to occur in elderly patients.