Pheniramine maleate
Brand Name- Avil
Classification-
Therapeutic class: Antihistamines
Pharmacologic class: Alkylamines
Action
Competes with histamine for
H1-receptor sites on effector cells. Drug prevents, but doesn’t reverse,
histamine-mediated responses.
Indication
Allergic conditions
Prophylaxis of motion sickness
Allergic conjunctivitis
Adverse Reactions
CNS: drowsiness, stimulation,
sedation, excitability in children.
CV: hypotension, palpitations, weak
pulse.
GI: dry mouth, epigastric distress.
GU: urine retention.
Respiratory: thick bronchial
secretions.
Skin: rash, urticaria, pallor.
Contraindications & Cautions
Contraindicated in patients having
acute asthmatic attacks and in those with angle-closure glaucoma, symptomatic
prostatic hyperplasia, pyloroduodenal obstruction, or bladder neck obstruction.
Contraindicated in patients taking
MAO inhibitors.
Use cautiously in elderly patients
and in those with increased IOP, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, bronchial
asthma, urine retention, prostatic hyperplasia, stenosing peptic ulcerations,
and CV, liver, or renal disease.
Nursing Considerations
Stop drug 4 days before diagnostic
skin testing because antihistamines can prevent, reduce, or mask positive skin
test response.
Monitor patient for signs and
symptoms of bowel obstruction (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain).
Monitor elderly patients for
dizziness, sedation, confusion, dry mouth, constipation and hypotension.
Patient Teaching
Warn patient to avoid alcohol and
hazardous activities that require alertness until CNS effects of drug are
known.
Inform patient that sugarless gum,
hard candy, or ice chips may relieve dry mouth.
Instruct patient to notify
prescriber if tolerance develops because a different antihistamine may need to
be prescribed.
Advise patient that
extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or
divided.
Advise patient or caregiver to
measure and give oral syrup by dosing syringe, dosing spoon, or dosing cup for
accuracy.
May impair ability to drive or
operate machinery. Has potential for abuse. Narrow angle glaucoma, asthma or
severe CV disease. Antiemetic effect may mask signs of other conditions.
Pregnancy and lactation. Elderly.
COMMENTS