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Alahist IR

dexbrompheniramine
Used for Allergic Rhinitis
Used for Allergic Rhinitis

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 9, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

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.

Are you looking for information on dexchlorpheniramine (Polmon), Alahist PE (dexbrompheniramine / phenylephrine), or Alahist CF (dexbrompheniramine / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAla-Hist IR
Drug ClassAntihistamine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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What are the 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

Other Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Trouble urinating
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Blurry vision
  • Hyperactivity (more common in children)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Excessive sleepiness or dizziness

Source: DailyMed

The following 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):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine)

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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

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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

Pharmacist tips for Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine)

pharmacist

  • 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

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              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine)

              Does Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) make you sleepy?
              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.
              Can I take Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) and Zyrtec?
              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.
              Is Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) used for cough?
              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.
              Can you take Sudafed and Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) together?
              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.
              Is Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) over the counter?
              Yes, Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) is available over the counter. It doesn't require a prescription from a provider.
              Is it safe to take Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) during pregnancy?
              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.
              Can I take Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) if I'm breastfeeding?
              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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              What are the 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.

              risk-warning

              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.

                risk-warning

                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).

                  risk-warning

                  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.

                  More on Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) warnings

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                  Written by Kevin Le, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS
                  dosage

                  Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 30 tablets of 2mg of Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) is $23.48 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 22.9% off the average retail price of $30.45.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  2mg30 tablets$23.48$0.78

                  Typical dosing 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.

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                  How much does Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Alahist IR (brand)
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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ala-Hist IR (dexbrompheniramine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  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)

                  $23.48 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Chlorpheniramine
                  Used for:

                  • Sneezing

                  • Runny nose

                  • Itchy or watery eyes

                  • Itchy nose or throat

                  $2.76 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Loratadine (Claritin)
                  Used for:

                  • Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)

                  $5.95 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2021). Dexbrompheniramine. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                  Farzam, K., et al. (2023). Antihistamines. StatPearls.

                  Poly Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2024). Ala-Hist IR- dexbrompheniramine maleate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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