Antihistamines, Decongestants, and Anticholinergics (Systemic)
Category- Antihistaminic (H 1
-receptor)-decongestant-anticholinergic - Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Methscopolamine
DescriptionAntihistamine, decongestant, and anticholinergic combinations are used
to treat the nasal congestion (stuffy nose) and runny nose caused by allergies
and/or the common cold.
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. The antihistamine contained in these combinations is
chlorpheniramine.
The decongestants in these combinations, 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.
Anticholinergics, such as atropine, hyoscyamine, methscopolamine, and
scopolamine may help produce a drying effect in the nose and chest.
These combinations are available only with your doctor's prescription in
the following dosage forms:
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Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Methscopolamine
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Extended-release capsules (U.S.)
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Syrup (U.S.)
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Tablets (U.S.)
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Chewable tablets (U.S.)
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Extended-release tablets (U.S.)
-
Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Methscopolamine
-
Extended-release tablets (U.S.)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
- AH-chew 1
- D.A. Chewable 1
- Dallergy 1
- Dura-Vent/DA 1
- Extendryl 1
- Extendryl JR 1
- Extendryl SR 1
- Mescolor 2
- OMNIhist L.A. 1
- Stahist 3
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Note:
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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.
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Note:
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For quick reference the following antihistamine, decongestant, and
anticholinergic combinations are numbered to match the corresponding brand
names. |
| This information applies to the following medicines: |
| 1. |
Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Methscopolamine (klor-fen-EER-a-meen
fen-ill-EF-rin and meth-skoe-POL-a-meen)† |
| 2. |
Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Methscopolamine (klor-fen-EER-a-meensoo-doe-e-FED-rin
and meth-skoe-POL-a-meen)† |
| 3. |
Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine, Atropine, Hyoscyamine,and
Scopolamine (soo-doe-e-FED-rin fen-ill-EF-rin klor-fen-EER-a-meen hye-oh-SYE-a-meen
scoe-POL-a-meenand A-troe-peen)† |
| † Not commercially available in Canada |
† Not commercially available in Canada.
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