Phenycol

A histamine H1 antagonist used in allergic reactions, hay fever, rhinitis, urticaria, and asthma. It has also been used in veterinary applications. One of the most widely used of the classical antihistaminics, it generally causes less drowsiness and sedation than promethazine. [PubChem]

Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol) has been withdrawn in Canada and the United States. In November 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory against the use of the drug.

allergic and inflammatory skin disorders

influenza symptoms, cough

Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol) is used to treat runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol) may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol) is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in your body. Constriction of blood vessels in your sinuses, nose, and chest allows drainage of those areas, which decreases congestion.

Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol) is used to treat the congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold. Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol) also causes a decrease in appetite and is used in some over-the-counter diet aids.

Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol) 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 HCl (Phenycol).

Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Liquid,

Oral, as maleate:

Ed ChlorPed: 2 mg/mL (60 mL [DSC]) [contains fd&c red #40, propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate; cotton candy flavor]

Syrup,

Oral, as maleate:

Aller-Chlor: 2 mg/5 mL (120 mL [DSC]) [contains alcohol, usp, fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), menthol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Chlor-Trimeton: 2 mg/5 mL (120 mL) [contains alcohol, usp]

Ed Chlorped Jr: 2 mg/5 mL (118 mL [DSC], 473 mL) [alcohol free, sugar free; contains fd&c red #40, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben; cherry flavor]

Tablet,

Oral, as maleate:

Aller-Chlor: 4 mg [scored; contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake]

Allergy: 4 mg [scored; contains corn starch, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake]

Allergy Relief: 4 mg [contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake]

Allergy-Time: 4 mg [contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake]

Chlor-Trimeton: 4 mg [scored]

Ed-Chlortan: 4 mg [DSC] [scored; contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake]

Pharbechlor: 4 mg

Generic: 4 mg

Tablet Extended Release,

Oral, as maleate:

Chlor-Trimeton Allergy: 12 mg [contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]

Chlor-Trimeton Allergy: 12 mg [contains fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]

Generic: 12 mg

Dosing: Adult

Allergic symptoms, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, pruritus:

Oral:

Immediate release: 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours; do not exceed 24 mg/24 hours

Extended release: 12 mg every 12 hours; do not exceed 24 mg/24 hours

Motion sickness (off-label use): Immediate release: 4 to 12 mg administered 3 hours prior to initiating stimulus for motion sickness (Buckey 2004). Note: Avoid use if it is unsafe for patient to be sedated.

Dosing: Geriatric

Avoid use (Beers Criteria [AGS 2019]).

Dosing: Pediatric

Note: Safety and efficacy for the use of cough and cold products in infants and young children is limited; the AAP warns against the use of these products for respiratory illnesses in infants and young children; the FDA does not recommend OTC use in infants and children <2 years of age due to the risk of serious and life-threatening adverse effects (including death) and recommends to use with caution in pediatric patients ≥2 years of age (AAP 2018; FDA 2017).

Allergic symptoms:

Oral:

Immediate release:

Oral liquid (2 mg/5 mL):

Children 2 to <6 years: 1 mg every 4 to 6 hours; maximum daily dose: 6 mg/day.

Children 6 to <12 years: 2 mg every 4 to 6 hours; maximum daily dose: 12 mg/day.

Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours; maximum daily dose: 24 mg/day.

Tablets:

Children 6 to <12 years: 2 mg every 4 to 6 hours; maximum daily dose: 12 mg/day.

Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours; maximum daily dose: 24 mg/day.

Extended-release tablet: Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: 12 mg every 12 hours; maximum dose: 24 mg in 24 hours.

Applies to the following strengths: 75 mg; 25 mg; 37.5 mg; 50 mg; 180 mg-75 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

• Nasal Congestion
• Weight Loss

Usual Pediatric Dose for:

• Nasal Congestion

Additional dosage information:

• Renal Dose Adjustments
• Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Nasal Congestion

25 mg orally every 4 hours.

-or-

75 mg orally extended release every 12 hours.

Not to exceed 150 mg/day.

Usual Adult Dose for Weight Loss

25 mg orally 3 times a day, one-half hour before meals.

-or-

75 mg orally extended release once a day in the morning.

The use of Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol) for weight loss should be limited to 12 weeks.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Congestion

2 to 6 years:

6.25 mg orally every 4 hours. Maximum daily dose is 37.5 mg.

6 to 12 years:

12.5 mg orally every 4 hours. Maximum daily dose is 75 mg.

> 12 years:

25 mg orally every 4 hours.

-or-

75 mg orally extended release every 12 hours.

Not to exceed 150 mg/day.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Because Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol) is eliminated primarily by the kidneys, one-half of the normally recommended dosage should be given. Patients with renal dysfunction should be monitored for signs and symptoms of toxicity when using Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol).

Other Comments

In November 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in response to reports of increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol).

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

More about Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol)

• Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol) Side Effects
• During Pregnancy
• Drug Interactions
• Support Group
• 2 Reviews
• Drug class: decongestants

Related treatment guides

• Weight Loss
• Cold Symptoms
• Nasal Congestion

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol)?

Injection: Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol) is contraindicated in comatose states, in patients who have received large amounts of central-nervous-system depressants (alcohol, sedative hypnotics, including barbiturates, general anesthetics, narcotics, narcotic analgesics, tranquilizers, etc.), and in patients who have demonstrated an idiosyncrasy or hypersensitivity to promethazine.

Under no circumstances should promethazine be given by intra-arterial injection due to the likelihood of severe arteriospasm and the possibility of resultant gangrene

Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol) HCl injection should not be given by the subcutaneous route; evidence of chemical irritation has been noted, and necrotic lesions have resulted on rare occasions following subcutaneous injection. The preferred parenteral route of administration is by deep intramuscular injection.

Syrup, Tablets and Suppositories: Phenergan Tablets and Suppositories are contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.

Phenergan Tablets and Suppositories are contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.

Antihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol)?

Decreased kidney function.

Decreased liver function.

Children under 10 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Use Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol) may be taken with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol), take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol).

Use: Labeled Indications

Allergic symptoms, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, pruritus: Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis and other allergic symptoms including urticaria, pruritus

Off Label Uses

Motion sickness

Data from a limited number of patients studied suggests that Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol) may be beneficial in the treatment of motion sickness. Additional data may be necessary to further define its role in this condition.

Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol) is used to relieve blocked nose or sinuses caused by common cold and seasonal nasal allergies (hay fever). It is also used to decrease appetite for weight control.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol)?

Activity increases when combined with beta-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, vancomycin, clindamycin, metronidazole. Sukralfat, bismuth preparations, antacids containing aluminum ions, magnesium or calcium, cimetidine, ranitidine, vitamin and mineral supplement, iron sulfate, zinc, didanosine (recommended for 2 hours before or 4 hours after these drugs) reduce the suction. Probenecid, azlocillin increase the concentration in the blood. Decreases clearance and increases in plasma caffeine, aminophylline and theophylline (increased likelihood of side effects). Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol) Citadel Fine Pharmaceuticals enhances the effect of warfarin and other oral anticoagulants (prolongs bleeding time). Increases nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine, increase the risk of CNS excitability and convulsive reactions against the background of NSAIDs. Medicines alkalinizing the urine (citrates, sodium bicarbonate, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors) reduce the solubility (increases the probability of crystalluria). Infusion solutions of ciprofloxacin ready to use can be combined with infusion solutions: 0.9% sodium chloride solution, Ringer's solution, Ringer lactate, 5 and 10% dextrose, 10% solution of fructose, and a solution containing 5% dextrose with 0,225 or 0.45% sodium chloride. Incompatible with solutions having a pH > 7.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol)?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you take this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

You should not take other medicines that contain paracetamol in combination with this medicine, as this can easily result in exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose of paracetamol. Many cold and flu remedies and over-the-counter painkillers contain paracetamol, so be sure to check the ingredients of any other medicines before taking them with this one. Migraleve yellow can be taken four hours after taking Migraleve pink if you still have a migraine, but make sure you do not exceed the maximum dose recommended in the information leaflet.

This medicine should be used with caution in people taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), for example the antidepressants phenelzine, tranylcypromine or isocarboxacid. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine if you have taken an MAOI in the last 14 days.

Cholestyramine reduces the absorption of paracetamol from the gut. It should not be taken within an hour of taking paracetamol or the effect of the paracetamol will be reduced.

Metoclopramide and domperidone may increase the absorption of paracetamol from the gut.

Long-term or regular use of paracetamol may increase the anti-blood-clotting effect of warfarin and other anticoagulant medicines, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. This effect does not occur with occasional painkilling doses. If you are taking an anticoagulant medicine and you are also taking co-codamol regularly, your blood clotting time (INR) should be regularly monitored.

In the unlikely event that this medicine makes you feel drowsy, this may be enhanced by other medicines that can cause drowsiness, such as the following:

antipsychotics, eg haloperidol

barbiturates, eg phenobarbital, amobarbital

benzodiazepines, eg diazepam, temazepam

other opioids, eg morphine, dihydrocodeine

sedating antihistamines, eg Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol), hydroxyzine

sleeping tablets, eg zopiclone

tricyclic antidepressants, eg amitriptyline.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol)?

Applies to Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol): capsules, controlled-release capsules, suspension drops, sustained-release capsules, syrup, tablets

Other dosage forms:

• suspension

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, or throat; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur while taking Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol) (the active ingredient contained in Chlorphenamine maleate (Phenycol) (Allergy))

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; tremor; trouble sleeping; vision changes.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Phenylpropanolamine HCl (Phenycol)?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Constipation.

Skin rash.

Codeine can cause drowsiness, although at the dose contained in this medicine this is very unlikely. However, if you do find this medicine makes you feel sleepy or dizzy you should not drive or operate machinery and avoid alcoholic drink.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicines’s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.