Alahist IR 2mg Tablets

Dexbrompheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine that competitively antagonizes H1-histamine receptors, thereby preventing histamine from binding and producing its effects (e.g., vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, pruritus, bronchoconstriction). It also possesses significant anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and block muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Immediately
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or seek medical attention right away, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Other Possible Side Effects
Most medications can cause side effects, but many people either do not experience them or have only mild symptoms. If you encounter any of the following side effects or any other unusual effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice:
- Feeling sleepy
- Feeling nervous and excitable

Note: This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice regarding side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. To minimize the risk of severe side effects, do not exceed the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Adhering to the recommended treatment duration is also crucial; do not take this drug for longer than specified by your healthcare provider.

Until you are familiar with how this medication affects you, it is advisable to avoid operating a vehicle, performing tasks that require alertness, or engaging in activities that demand your full attention. Additionally, refrain from consuming alcohol while taking this drug, as it may exacerbate its effects.

Before using marijuana, other cannabis products, or any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications that may cause drowsiness or impair your reactions, consult with your doctor to discuss potential interactions. If the patient is a child, exercise caution when administering this drug, as children may be at a higher risk of experiencing excitability.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, it is crucial to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor, considering both your health and the well-being of your baby.

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (concurrent use or within 14 days of MAOI discontinuation)

• Alcohol
• Other CNS depressants (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants)
• Other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, scopolamine, some antipsychotics, some antidepressants, other antihistamines)

• Potassium chloride (oral forms) (increased risk of GI lesions due to anticholinergic effects)
• Beta-2 agonists (e.g., albuterol) (potential for additive cardiovascular effects, though less common)
• Metoclopramide (antagonism of prokinetic effect)

• Not specifically identified for minor interactions; generally additive effects with other drugs causing similar side effects.

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Urinary retention
• Constipation
• Nervousness
• Insomnia (paradoxical effect, especially in children)
• Tachycardia
• Hypotension

Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Studies in animals have shown adverse effects, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant humans. First-generation antihistamines are generally avoided in the third trimester due to potential for adverse effects in the neonate.

Not recommended. Dexbrompheniramine is excreted into breast milk and can cause drowsiness, irritability, or paradoxical excitation in the nursing infant. It may also decrease milk supply due to its anticholinergic effects. If use is unavoidable, monitor infant closely for adverse effects.

Use with caution, especially in children under 6 years of age. Not recommended for children under 2 years due to increased risk of respiratory depression and paradoxical excitation. Children may be more susceptible to the sedative and anticholinergic effects, or may experience paradoxical excitation (nervousness, restlessness, insomnia).

Use with extreme caution. Elderly patients are more susceptible to the sedative, anticholinergic (e.g., dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation), and hypotensive effects. Increased risk of falls, confusion, and delirium. Lower doses are often recommended, and alternative non-sedating antihistamines should be considered.

• Dexbrompheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine known for its significant sedative and anticholinergic side effects.
• Patients should be warned about impaired ability to drive or operate machinery.
• Avoid concurrent use with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
• Exercise caution in elderly patients due to increased susceptibility to adverse effects, particularly confusion, urinary retention, and falls.
• Not recommended for children under 2 years of age; use with caution in older children due to risk of paradoxical excitation.

• Second-generation antihistamines (e.g., Loratadine, Cetirizine, Fexofenadine, Levocetirizine, Desloratadine) - generally preferred due to less sedation and anticholinergic effects.
• Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone, Mometasone) - for allergic rhinitis.
• Mast cell stabilizers (e.g., Cromolyn sodium) - for allergy prevention.
• Decongestants (e.g., Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine) - often combined with antihistamines for congestion relief.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.