Pheniramine: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Pheniramine is an older antihistamine that blocks histamine, the chemical behind allergy symptoms. It is used to relieve itching, hives, rashes, hay fever symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose, and some other allergic conditions. It often causes drowsiness, so it can affect driving and work. It is not suitable for young children.
Also known as: Pheniramine maleate, Pheniramine tablets, Avil
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Pheniramine work?
Pheniramine blocks histamine at H1 receptors. Histamine is released during an allergic reaction and causes itching, sneezing, a runny nose and swelling, so blocking it eases these symptoms. It also acts on the brain, which is why it makes many people sleepy.
How to take Pheniramine
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Taking tablets with food can reduce stomach upset. Do not give it to a child unless a doctor has advised it.
Side effects of Pheniramine
Drowsiness is the most common effect. Other effects are usually mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Blurred vision
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Difficulty passing urine
- Confusion, agitation or seeing things that are not there
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Unusual bruising, bleeding or frequent infections
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before using pheniramine, or need extra care while using it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to pheniramine or any ingredient
- Children under 5 years
- While taking MAO inhibitor antidepressants
- It can cause drowsiness: do not drive, use machinery or do tasks needing alertness until you know how it affects you
- Not for children under 5 years, and children and older adults are more sensitive to its effects
- Glaucoma (raised eye pressure), an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine
- Epilepsy, asthma or other lung disease, or an overactive thyroid
- Stomach ulcer or blockage, or heart disease
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor before use
- Allergy to pheniramine or any ingredient
Medicines and things that interact with Pheniramine
Pheniramine can add to the effects of other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Alcohol: increases drowsiness, so avoid it
- Sedatives, sleeping tablets, anxiety medicines and other medicines that cause sleepiness: the effect adds up
- Antidepressants called MAO inhibitors: should not be used together with it
- Other antihistamines and medicines with a drying effect, such as some for bladder or stomach cramps: side effects such as dry mouth may increase
If someone takes too much
Too much pheniramine can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, a fast heartbeat, fits and, in children, excitement. If someone has taken more than advised, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India. Pheniramine is covered under the entry for antihistaminic substances in Schedule G of the Drugs Rules 1945, so the pack carries a caution to use it under medical supervision (confirm on the pack). Single-ingredient pheniramine is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Some antihistamine combinations are banned, so check the ingredient list of any combination.
Type of medicine
Pheniramine belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Pheniramine
These medicines sold in India contain Pheniramine. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Avil 25 · 25 mg tablet
What is Pheniramine used for?
Medicines that contain Pheniramine are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Pheniramine.
Common questions
What is pheniramine used for?
It is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, hives, drug or food-related rashes, and hay fever symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. A doctor decides whether it suits you.
Does pheniramine make you sleepy?
Yes, drowsiness is common. Do not drive, use machinery or do tasks needing alertness until you know how it affects you, and avoid alcohol, which increases the sleepiness.
Can children take pheniramine?
It is not for children under 5 years. For older children, use it only as their doctor advises, because children can be more sensitive to its side effects.
Should I take pheniramine with food?
Taking the tablet with or after food may reduce stomach upset. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
Is Avil the same as pheniramine?
Avil is a brand name for medicines containing pheniramine maleate. Check the strength on the pack before switching products, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if unsure.
Sources
- Pheniramine Maleate Tablets I.P. (Avil 25, Avil 50): package insert. Sanofi India Limited
- ATC/DDD Index: R06AB Substituted alkylamines. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- The Drugs Rules, 1945 (consolidated, September 2024 edition), Schedule G. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)