Alahist D
Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) is a combination medication used to help temporarily relieve symptoms of allergies and the common cold. Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) isn’t meant to treat cold or sinus infections. It can be inconvenient to use because you might need to take it up to every 4 hours to help with your symptoms.
What is Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine)?
What is Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) used for?
Short-term relief of symptoms due to allergies or the common cold:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose or throat
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
How Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) works
Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) is a combination of two medications.
- Pheniramine is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine. Histamine is a natural chemical in your body that causes congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. By blocking histamine, pheniramine helps to relieve these symptoms.
- Phenylephrine is an alpha agonist. It works as a decongestant to relieve nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Phenylephrine makes the blood vessels around your nose narrower, which reduces nasal swelling and pressure. This allows you to breathe easier and to have better sinus drainage.
Drug facts
Side effects of Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Feeling anxious or nervous
- Feeling excited (especially in children)
Less Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
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Pros and cons of Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine)
Pros
- Combines two medications into one product for convenience
- Available over the counter
- Can use in children 6 years and older
Cons
- Might cause over-excitement in children
- Might need to take multiple times a day to relieve symptoms
- Might not be safe for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems
Pharmacist tips for Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine)
- Talk to your provider first before using Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) if you're taking or have recently taken medications for Parkinson's disease or depression that are known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications can sometimes interact with Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) and cause seriously high blood pressure. If you've taken these medications in the past 2 weeks, talk to your provider about other options to relieve your symptoms.
- Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) shouldn’t be taken together with any sedatives, since this combination can worsen certain side effects, such as dizziness and sleepiness. Avoid drinking alcohol and don't drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) affects you. Stop using this medication and talk to a provider if you experience severe drowsiness or dizziness.
- If you have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, or other medical conditions, ask your provider if it's safe for you to take Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine). This combination medication can raise your blood pressure, eye pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate. The medication can also make it harder for you to urinate.
- Don't use Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) to make your child sleepy. It's possible for children who use this medication to become overly excited or energetic. If this happens to your child, speak to your child's provider.
- Stop using Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) and talk with your provider if you've been using this medication for more than a week or if you develop a fever. These could be signs of a more serious condition that can't be treated with Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine).
- Don't use multiple products with pheniramine or phenylephrine. Both ingredients can be found in many over-the-counter medications, so make sure you read the labels carefully. Using too much pheniramine or phenylephrine can cause serious side effects, such as fast heartbeat or confusion.
- Store Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) up and away and out of children's reach and sight. Always put medication away every time you use it. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing any medication that was left out. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine), call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.
Common questions about Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine)
Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) contains phenylephrine, a decongestant. It often works best to relieve congestion within 15 to 30 minutes after taking it. For most people, this medication can last up to 4 hours.
Yes, Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) is available over the counter, meaning you don't need a prescription from a provider. You can likely find this medication at your local pharmacy.
No, Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) isn't meant to be used long term. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days or if you start to have a fever, stop taking Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) and contact your provider. There might be other options available that can help your allergies better.
No. Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) only helps some symptoms of a sinus infection (like sneezing, runny nose, or congestion) get better. It doesn't fight and get rid of the infection. If you have signs and symptoms of a sinus infection, such as runny nose, stuffy nose, headache, post-nasal drip, or sore throat, talk with your provider to see if you need any antibiotic or antiviral medications that help treat the cause of your infection.
Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) is generally safe to take, but it's not the best choice for everyone. If you're taking any sedatives, you might have more intense side effects like drowsiness from Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine). Also, if you have certain medical conditions, such as breathing problems, glaucoma, urinary problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, high blood sugar (diabetes), or thyroid problems, ask your provider if Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) is safe for you.
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Risks and warnings for Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine)
Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Sleepiness
- Risk factors: Alcohol use | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Age 65 or older
Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) can make you very sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you're 65 years or older, drink alcohol while taking this medication, or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medications). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) affects you.
Worsening high blood pressure and heart problems
- Risk factors: History of heart problems | High blood pressure
Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) contains phenylephrine, which works by tightening the blood vessels in your nose, as well as in other parts of your body. As a result, Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) can cause your blood pressure and heart rate to go up. If you have a history of heart problems or high blood pressure, ask your provider if Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) is safe for you before using it. If you experience severe headache, blurry vision, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain while taking this medication, stop using it and get medical attention right away.
Worsening of certain medical conditions
- Risk factors: Diabetes | Urinary problems | Breathing problems | Thyroid problems | Glaucoma
Don't take Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it's safe to do so. Taking this medication can sometimes worsen your medical condition(s). For example, phenylephrine in Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) can raise your blood sugar levels, which can worsen your diabetes. It can also worsen any fast heart rate that people with certain thyroid problems might experience. Let your provider or pharmacist know about all your medical conditions before starting Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine).
Accidentally taking too much medication (overdose)
Pheniramine and phenylephrine are both ingredients in many other over-the-counter products. Using more than one product containing the same ingredients can lead to an accidental overdose that can be dangerous. Taking too much antihistamine can cause trouble urinating, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there), confusion, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. Taking too much nasal decongestant can cause serious side effects, such as high blood pressure.
If you're not sure whether you're taking a medication with an antihistamine or decongestant, talk to your provider or pharmacist before you start Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine). To prevent an accidental overdose, follow the specific product instructions on the package carefully. If you think that you or your child might’ve accidentally taken too much Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine), call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.
Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17.5mg/10mg | 30 tablets | $15.35 | $0.51 |
Typical dosage for Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine)
Each tablet contains 17 mg of pheniramine and 10 mg of phenylephrine.
- Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth every 4 hours. Don't take more than 6 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Children 6 to 11 years old: The typical dose is one-half of a tablet by mouth every 4 hours. Don't take more than 3 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Children younger than 6 years old: Ask your child's provider.
How much does Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) cost?
$15.35
Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Currently taking or have taken an MAOI in the last 2 weeks
What are alternatives to Alahist D (pheniramine / phenylephrine)?
Short-term relief of symptoms due to allergies or the common cold: