pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenylpropanolamine Health Article

Generic name(s):

pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenylpropanolamine

Brand name(s):

pheniramine/PPA/pyrilamine, Liqui-Minic Infant, Triactin, Triaminic Infant, Triaminic Pediatric

What is the most important information I should know about pheniramine/pyrilamine/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.

Pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid climbing and other hazardous activities while taking this medication. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenylpropanolamine.

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 is pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenylpropanolamine?

Pheniramine and pyrilamine are antihistamines. They block the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Pheniramine and pyrilamine 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/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/phenylpropanolamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenylpropanolamine?

Do not take pheniramine/pyrilamine/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

• kidney disease,
• liver disease,

• diabetes,

• glaucoma,

• any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,

• thyroid disease,

• emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or

• difficulty urinating or have an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take pheniramine/pyrilamine/phenylpropanolamine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Pheniramine/pyrilamine/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. This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. 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/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.