Alahist IR
Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that's used to relieve allergy symptoms in adults and children. It's available as a brand-name medication only and comes as tablets that are taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. Side effects include making you sleepy and dizzy.
What is Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine)?
What is Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) used for?
- Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (e.g., runny nose; sneezing; itching of the nose or throat; itchy, watery eyes)
How Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) works
Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical in your body that causes inflammation and other symptoms like itching and runny nose when exposed to allergens. By blocking histamine, Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) helps lower inflammation and relieve allergy symptoms.
Drug facts
Side effects of Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine)
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
- Dry mouth
Less Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Trouble urinating
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurry vision
- Hyperactivity (more common in children)
Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Excessive sleepiness or dizziness
The following Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
- Trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
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Pros and cons of Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine)
Pros
- Works well to treat allergy symptoms
- Can be used in children as young as 6 years old
- Available over the counter
- Tablets are scored, so they can be easily broken in half
Cons
- Only available as a tablet
- Might need to take as often as every 4 hours to relieve symptoms
- Can make you sleepy
- Might not be the best choice for people who are over 65 years old; have glaucoma; or have breathing, stomach, or urinary problems
Pharmacist tips for Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine)
- You can take Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) with or without food. If the medication upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) can make you sleepy and dizzy. Don't drive until you know how this medication affects you.
- It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine). Otherwise, it can make side effects like sleepiness and dizziness worse.
- Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you're taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Your providers can make sure Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) is safe to take with your other medications.
- Don't start any new medications while you're taking Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine), especially other antihistamines, without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Taking more than one product with an antihistamine in it can raise your risk of overdose and serious side effects, including confusion and extreme sleepiness.
- Store Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) up and away from children and pets so they're less likely to reach and accidentally take the medication. Call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222 if you think your child accidentally took it.
More on Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) tips
Common questions about Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine)
Yes, it's possible to feel sleepy after you take Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine). It's recommended to avoid drinking alcohol because it can make sleepiness and dizziness more intense. Contact your provider to discuss better treatment options for your allergy symptoms if Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) is making you too sleepy and affecting your daily activities. Also, keep in mind that while Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) usually makes adults sleepy, it's possible for children who use this medication to become overly excited or energetic. Speak to your child's provider if this happens to your child. Ask about other allergy medications for your child.
No, you shouldn't take Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) together because they're both antihistamines. Taking both would only raise your risk for side effects, which can sometimes be serious. Talk to your provider about other options if Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) isn't working well enough for you.
Antihistamines like Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) can help with cough if it's due to postnasal drip. Talk to your provider or pharmacist about your treatment options for cough if you have a wet cough.
Yes, you can safely take Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) with the decongestant Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or Sudafed PE (phenylephrine). There are no known drug interactions between Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) and either Sudafed or Sudafed PE.
Yes, Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) is available over the counter. It doesn't require a prescription from a provider.
Antihistamines like Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) are generally considered safe to take during pregnancy. But talk to a healthcare provider first before you use Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) while pregnant to make sure it's right for you.
Don't take Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) if you're breastfeeding without speaking to your provider first because it might affect your baby. Your baby might become drowsy or irritable if you breastfed after taking the medication. Your provider can help you choose a safer antihistamine to take while nursing.
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Risks and warnings for Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine)
Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) 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: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Age 65 and older
Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) can make you 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 over 65 years old, drink alcohol while you're taking Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine), or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines). It's best to avoid alcohol and other medications that might make you sleepy while you're taking Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Worsening of medical conditions
- Risk factors: Glaucoma | Urinary problems (e.g., large prostate gland, bladder neck blockage) | Breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, long-term bronchitis)
Don't take Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it's safe to do so. Taking this medication can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before you start Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine).
Accidental overdose
Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) is an antihistamine, which is found in many other over-the-counter products. Taking more than one medication containing an antihistamine can lead to serious side effects, such as blurry vision, reddening of skin, and confusion.
Don't start any new medications while you're taking Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're not sure whether a product has an antihistamine in it.
Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2mg | 20 tablets | $16.29 | $0.81 |
Typical dosage for Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine)
Each tablet contains 2 mg of dexbrompheniramine.
- Age 12 years or older: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. Don't take more than 6 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Age 6 to under 12 years old: The typical dose is one-half tablet by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. Don't take more than 3 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Age under 6 years old: Ask your child's provider.
How much does Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) cost?
$16.29
