tripelennamine Health Article

Generic name(s):

tripelennamine

Brand name(s):

PBZ, PBZ-SR

What is the most important information I should know about tripelennamine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tripelennamine 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 tripelennamine. Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained-release forms of tripelennamine. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in the body.

What is tripelennamine?

Tripelennamine is an antihistamine. Tripelennamine blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body.

Tripelennamine is used to treat sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Tripelennamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tripelennamine?

Do not take tripelennamine 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

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;

• a stomach ulcer;

• an enlarged prostate, bladder problems, or difficulty urinating;

• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);

• high blood pressure or any type of heart problem; or

• asthma.

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

It is not known whether tripelennamine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take tripelennamine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Tripelennamine may be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take tripelennamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from tripelennamine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take tripelennamine?

Take tripelennamine exactly as directed by your doctor. 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. Tripelennamine can be taken with food to lessen stomach upset. Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained-release forms of tripelennamine. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in the body.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the elixir form of tripelennamine 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.

Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. The regular-release tablets can be taken up to six times per day (every 4 hours) to a maximum of 600 mg for adults. The sustained-release tablets can be taken two or three times per day (every 8 to 12 hours) to a maximum of 300 mg for adults.

Store tripelennamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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 unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a tripelennamine overdose include extreme sleepiness, confusion, weakness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, large pupils, dry mouth, flushing, fever, shaking, insomnia, hallucinations, and possibly seizures.