Phenindamine Tartrate

A to Z Drug Facts

 Action Competitively antagonizes histamine at H₁ receptor sites.

 Indications Temporary relief of runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergic rhinitis.

 Contraindications Standard considerations.

 Route/Dosage

Adults and children (at least 12 yr): PO 25 mg q 4 to 6 hr (max, 150 mg/24 hr).

Children (6 to under 12 yr): PO 12.5 mg q 4 to 6 hr (max, 75 mg/24 hr).

 Interactions

Alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers: Will potentiate the sedative effects of phenindamine.

 Lab Test Interferences May interfere with diagnostic test results for skin tests using allergen extracts.

 Adverse Reactions

CNS: Excitability (especially in children); drowsiness; nervousness; insomnia.

 Precautions

Children: Safety and efficacy not established in children under 6 yr.

Special risk patients: Use with caution in patients with hypertension, heart disease, asthma, hyperthyroidism, increased intraocular pressure, diabetes mellitus, prostatic hypertrophy, bronchial asthma.

 Administration/Storage

• Give prescribed dose every 4 to 6 hr without regard to meals. Give with food if GI upset occurs.
• Store tablets at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Protect from light.

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies. Note history of narrow angle glaucoma, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloric obstruction, prostatic hypertrophy, bladder neck obstruction, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and concurrent or recent use of MAO inhibitors.
• Assess for allergy symptoms (eg, rhinitis, nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, watery eyes) before and periodically throughout therapy.
• Monitor patient for dizziness and excessive drowsiness. If noted, hold therapy and notify health care provider.
• Monitor patient for CNS, CV, GI, RESP, and general body side effects. Inform health care provider if noted and significant.

 Patient/Family Education

• Explain name, dose, action, and potential side effects of drug.
• Advise patient to take as prescribed without regard to meals, but to take with food if GI upset occurs.
• Advise patient that if allergy symptoms are not controlled not to increase the dose of medication or frequency of use but to inform their health care provider. Inform patient that larger or more frequent dosing does not increase effectiveness and may cause drowsiness or other unwanted effects.
• Advise patient that medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness and to not drive or perform other activities requiring mental alertness until tolerance is determined.
• Caution patient that alcohol and other CNS depressants (eg, sedatives) will have additional sedative effects if taken with phenindamine.
• Caution patient not to take any other OTC antihistamines while taking this medication unless advised to do so by their health care provider.
• Advise patient to take sips of water, suck on ice chips or sugarless hard candy, or chew sugarless gum if dry mouth occurs.
• If patient is to have allergy skin testing, advise to not take the medication for at least 7 days before the skin testing.
• Advise women to notify health care provider if pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Instruct patient to stop taking drug and immediately report any of these symptoms to health care provider: dizziness or excessive drowsiness.
• Caution patient to not take any prescription or OTC medications or dietary supplements unless advised to do so by health care provider.

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Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts