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carbinoxamine

Generic Ryvent
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, Skin Allergy, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Anaphylaxis, Hives
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, Skin Allergy, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Anaphylaxis, Hives

Carbinoxamine maleate, also known by its brand name Ryvent, is a prescription antihistamine used to treat many symptoms of allergies and allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, itching, and sneezing. It's FDA approved for adults and children ages 2 years and older. It comes as a tablet and liquid that are taken by mouth up to 4 times per day on an empty stomach. Side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and stomach pain.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 19, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Carbinoxamine?

What is Carbinoxamine used for?

How Carbinoxamine works

Carbinoxamine is an antihistamine. It blocks a natural chemical in your body called histamine, which is responsible for many allergy symptoms. By blocking histamine in your stomach, blood vessels, and lungs, it helps relieve symptoms like itching, sneezing, and rash.

Are you looking for information on carbinoxamine (Karbinal ER) oral suspension instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRyvent
Drug ClassAntihistamine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$58.66(save 77.45%)
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$13.23
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What are the side effects of Carbinoxamine?

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
  • Trouble with coordination or movement
  • Stomach pain or discomfort
  • Thick mucus in the lungs

Other Side Effects

  • Skin sensitivity to light
  • Chills
  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Trouble urinating

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: rash, hives, itchiness, shortness of breath, chest tightness; swelling of lips, tongue, face, or eyes

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Blurred vision

chills

confusion

cough

decrease in the frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

difficult or painful urination

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

hives or welts, itching, skin rash

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness of the skin

sweating

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Agitation

anxiety

bloating

diarrhea

difficulty with sleeping

disorientation

dizziness

drowsiness to profound coma

dry mouth

feeling of warmth

fixed and enlarged pupils

gas

headache

lethargy

lightheadedness

loss of appetite

nausea

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

seizures

tightness of the chest

trouble breathing

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Clumsiness or unsteadiness

cough producing mucus

drowsiness

sleepiness

Incidence not known

Back, leg, or stomach pains

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chills

confusion

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

cough or hoarseness

dark urine

difficulty breathing

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

dizziness or lightheadedness

double vision

dry mouth, nose, and throat

feeling excited

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

fever with or without chills

general body swelling

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

headache

hearing loss

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

itching

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

nosebleeds

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

redness or other discoloration of the skin

restlessness

seeing double

seizures

sensation of spinning

severe sunburn

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

trouble sleeping

unusual bleeding or bruising

weight loss

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Carbinoxamine

thumbs-up

Pros

Treats many symptoms of allergies and allergic reactions

Comes as tablets and a flavored liquid

Safe for children as young as 2 years old

Can be taken as needed or on a regular schedule, depending on your condition

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to take 3 to 4 times per day

Commonly causes sleepiness and dizziness

Interacts with many medications

Can worsen certain medical conditions including glaucoma, stomach ulcers, and urinary problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Carbinoxamine

pharmacist

  • Take carbinoxamine with or without food, but it's best if you take it on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.

    • Carbinoxamine can be taken as needed. But if you have symptoms on a daily basis, taking it regularly might give you the most relief. Ask your prescriber about the best way for you to take this medication.

      • For the liquid: Store carbinoxamine liquid at room temperature. Use a medication dosing cup or oral syringe to measure the dose. If you need one, ask your pharmacy. Avoid household spoons because they might not be accurate and could lead you to take the wrong dose.

        • Carbinoxamine can make you sleepy, dizzy, and lose your balance. Don't drive until you know how this medication affects you. Also, avoid drinking alcohol because it can worsen these side effects.

          • Avoid taking other antihistamines while taking carbinoxamine. Many over-the-counter (OTC) products contain antihistamines, and taking more than one can raise your risk of antihistamine overdose, which can lead to serious side effects like heart problems, seizures, or even death.

            • Carbinoxamine isn't recommended while breastfeeding because it can cause serious harm to children under 2 years old. Let your prescriber know if you're breastfeeding. They can help figure out a safer alternative for you to use.

              • Store carbinoxamine up and away from children and pets. That way, they're less likely to reach it and accidentally take the medication. If you think your child accidentally took the medication, call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Carbinoxamine

                Can you take carbinoxamine and Keflex together?
                There are no known interactions between carbinoxamine and the antibiotic cephalexin (Keflex). Speak to your pharmacist if you have more questions about medication interactions.
                How long can you take carbinoxamine?
                There’s no set time for stopping carbinoxamine. Your prescriber will likely have you continue using it as long as it’s managing your symptoms well and you’re not experiencing serious side effects. Talk to your prescriber if you’re unsure how long you can take this medication.
                Does carbinoxamine make you sleepy?
                Yes, carbinoxamine can make you sleepy. It's recommended to avoid drinking alcohol because it can worsen sleepiness and dizziness. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you. Contact your primary care provider to discuss non-drowsy treatment options for your allergy symptoms if carbinoxamine is making you too sleepy and affecting your daily activities.
                Is carbinoxamine a decongestant?
                No, carbinoxamine isn't considered a decongestant; it's an antihistamine. Though they both treat certain allergy symptoms, they work differently. Speak to your prescriber to learn the differences between these medications.
                Does carbinoxamine help with cough?
                Typically not. Antihistamines like carbinoxamine don't help with cough. If you have a cough, ask a member of your care team which cough medication is right for you.
                Can you take Zyrtec and carbinoxamine together?
                No, it's not recommended to take cetirizine (Zyrtec) and carbinoxamine together. They're both antihistamines and taking them together raises your risk of side effects, such as sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Talk to your pharmacist or prescriber if you have questions about which antihistamine is right for you.
                Is carbinoxamine safe in pregnancy?
                It's not completely clear if carbinoxamine is safe to take during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, discuss with your prescriber or OB-GYN provider about the risks and benefits of taking this medication during that time. It should only be used if clearly needed.
                What's the difference between carbinoxamine and Karbinal ER?
                Carbinoxamine and Karbinal ER have the same active ingredient but are released differently in the body. Carbinoxamine tablets and liquid are immediate-release forms, meaning the medication is released quickly after you take it. On the other hand, Karbinal ER is an extended-release form, which slowly releases medication over 12 hours. Because of this, carbinoxamine tablet and liquid are usually taken 3 to 4 times a day, while Karbinal ER is usually taken 2 times a day. Speak to your prescriber about the differences between these medications.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Carbinoxamine?

                Carbinoxamine 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

                Death in young children

                • Risk factors: Children under 2 years old

                  Children under 2 years old should never take carbinoxamine since deaths have been reported in this age group. So keeping this medication away from young children is very important for their safety. It's also important to avoid breastfeeding since the medication likely passes into breastmilk which can cause serious harm to young children. If your child under 2 accidentally takes the medication, call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. For children under age 2, discuss safer treatment options with your child's pediatrician.

                  risk-warning

                  Sleepiness

                  • Risk factors: Alcohol | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Older adults

                    Carbinoxamine 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 an older adult, drink alcohol while taking carbinoxamine, or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. It's best to avoid alcohol while taking carbinoxamine. Talk to your prescriber about possible interactions with other medications and how to manage them.

                    risk-warning

                    Worsening of medical conditions

                    Make sure your care team knows about all of your medical conditions before starting carbinoxamine. Though this medication is an antihistamine, it also has anticholinergic effects, which can worsen the symptoms of many conditions. These conditions include glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, trouble urinating, and an enlarged prostate.

                    dosage

                    Carbinoxamine dosage forms

                    The average cost for 60 tablets of 4mg of Carbinoxamine is $13.23 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 77.45% off the average retail price of $58.66.
                    ml of oral solution
                    Ml of oral solution
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    4mg/5ml150 ml$30.74$0.20
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    4mg60 tablets$13.23$0.22

                    Typical dosing for Carbinoxamine

                    Carbinoxamine tablet:

                    • People ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is 4 mg to 8 mg by mouth three to four times per day on an empty stomach.

                    • Children ages 6 to 11 years: The typical dose is 2 mg to 4 mg by mouth three to four times per day on an empty stomach.

                    Carbinoxamine liquid:

                    • People ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls (4 mg to 8 mg) by mouth three to four times per day on an empty stomach.

                    • Children ages 6 to 11 years: The typical dose is ½ to 1 teaspoonful (2 mg to 4 mg) by mouth three to four times per day on an empty stomach.

                    • Children ages 2 to 5 years: The typical dose is ¼ to ½ teaspoonful (1 mg to 2 mg) by mouth three to four times per day on an empty stomach.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Carbinoxamine and other drugs

                    Carbinoxamine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Carbinoxamine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    contraindications-icon

                    Carbinoxamine 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 Carbinoxamine will not be safe for you to take.
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Carbinoxamine?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Carbinoxamine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Carbinoxamine
                    Used for:
                    $13.23 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
                    Used for:

                    • Allergies

                    • Common cold symptoms

                    • Trouble sleeping for people 12 years and older

                    $1.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Loratadine (Claritin)
                    Used for:

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

                    $4.32 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d). Dermatographism.

                    Borowy, C. S., et al. (2023). Antihistamine toxicity. StatPearls.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). PROTECT your child: Use the right tool to give the right dose.

                    View All References (4)

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

                    Genus LIfesciences Inc. (2024). Carbinoxamine maleate solution; Carbinosamine maleate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Leader, P., et al. (2023). Vasomotor rhinitis. StatPearls.

                    MedlinePlus. (2024). Angioedema.

                    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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