Pheniramine

Brand Name: Robitussin AC Calmylin ACE Dristan Nasal Mist Naphcon-A Visine Allergy Visine Advanced Allergy

Prescription Needed: Only for some products but most are available over the counter without a prescription.

What is this drug used for?

Pheniramine is an antihistamine primarily used to treat allergic eye conditions allergic nasal symptoms symptoms of the common cold and other respiratory tract infections.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to pheniramine. Pheniramine is often available in combination products - check if you are allergic to any of the other drugs included in that product.

Always disclose your full medical history with the medical team that is taking care of you in order for them to provide you with the safest and most effective care.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • glaucoma (especially narrow angle glaucoma or open angle glaucoma that is not being treated)
  • problems with your kidney or liver
  • difficulty going to the bathroom due to an enlarged prostate urinary blockage urinary incontinence or urinary retention
  • any heart rhythm problems
  • chronic breathing conditions
  • problems with constipation or blockage of intestines
  • an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

What about possible side effects?

This medication is usually well tolerated but you should be aware of some potential side effects. The following list of more common side effects can be quite bothersome but unless they are severe you should continue taking pheniramine as prescribed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist to get advice on how to manage these side effects:

  • dry mouth nose and throat
  • upset stomach
  • drowsiness
  • dizziness
  • chest congestion
  • headache
  • dry irritated nose (more common with the nasal spray)

Other less common side effects include:

  • headache
  • blurry vision or double vision
  • difficulty urinating

Other less common but potentially serious side effects include:

  • severe skin rash difficulty breathing or swallowing hives all over the body or near the face and throat - signs of an allergic reaction - stop taking pheniramine and get emergency medical help immediately
  • convulsions - stop taking pheniramine and get emergency medical help immediately
  • heart palpitations - stop taking pheniramine and contact your doctor
  • anxiety restlessness - stop taking pheniramine and contact your doctor
  • when using eye drop products - watch for swelling of the eyes increased reddening of the eyes eye pain persistent vision changes - stop using pheniramine eye drops and contact your doctor


This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • drugs that can cause tiredness sedation dizziness or increase the chances of having the same side effects - talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following drugs:
    • opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine oxycodone morphine hydromorphone)
    • opioid cough medications (e.g. hydrocodone codeine)
    • some antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline doxepin venlafaxine paroxetine trazodone)
    • medications for anxiety and insomnia (e.g. lorazepam diazepam oxazepam temazepam zopiclone)
    • antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone haloperidol)
    • muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine orphenadrine baclofen)
    • drugs for epilepsy (gabapentin phenytoin phenobarbital carbamazepine valproic acid)
    • other antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine chlorpheniramine hydroxyzine) - avoid combining other products that treat colds flu or to help with sleep
    • alcoholic beverages including wine liquors beer
    • herbal products (e.g. valerian St John's Wort)
  • drugs that can cause dry mouth dry eyes problems urinating or constipation (e.g. amitriptyline desipramine imipramine; ask your doctor or pharmacist) - increase your chances of having similar side effects.
  • MAO inhibitors may prolong and intensify the side effects of antihistamines in particular causing fainting and dizziness.
    • MAO inhibitors include phenelzine (brand name Nardil) tranylcypromine (brand name Parnate) moclobemide (brand name Manerix generics available) isocarboxazid (available in the U.S.A. under the brand name Marplan) and others not available in Canada
    • low doses of the MAO inhibitor selegeline (brand name Deprenyl generics available) may be safe but always be cautious and seek advice from your doctor

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Special Instructions:

If you are planning on having any skin tests for allergies tell your doctor that you are taking this medication as it may affect the results of your allergy test.

Pheniramine eye drop products should not be used while using contact lenses - use your eyeglasses instead. If your eye condition persists for more than 3 days stop using and see your doctor.

Since there are different dosage forms for pheniramine getting the most benefit often requires proper use of eye drops or nasal sprays - speak to your pharmacist if you are unsure of how to use.

Children: There are many different types of pheniramine products: eye drops oral liquids nasal sprays. While some pheniramine products can be used safely in children at lower doses others should not be used in children without first checking with your doctor. If you are in doubt check the product labeling or ask your doctor or pharmacist before giving to a child.

Seniors: Are more sensitive to side effects and lower doses are usually necessary especially at the start of therapy. May see signs of excitement and agitation as opposed to drowsiness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy: Safety in pregnancy not established. Speak to your doctor about safer alternatives.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk. May decrease milk production. Talk to your doctor about alternatives.

People who drive or operate machinery: May cause significant drowsiness blurry vision or unsteady hands. You should not use pheniramine oral dosage forms and operate machinery without first seeing how this drug affects you. Nasal sprays and eye drops are safe to use.

Alcohol: Avoid the use of alcohol as it may increase the sedating effects of pheniramine.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause severe and unusual drowsiness. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Pheniramine eye drops should be used for a maximum of 3 days in a row - see your doctor if the condition persists. Pheniramine eye drops which are combined with a decongestant should not be used for more than 3 days in a row - see your doctor if the condition persists. Oral dosage forms of pheniramine can be safely stopped as your symptoms improve.

If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However if it is almost time for the next dose skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None