Triprolidine
Triprolidine is an over-the-counter antihistamine. It's used to relieve allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes for both children and adults. This medication comes as a liquid that's taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. Some side effects you might experience from triprolidine include sleepiness, dizziness, and blurry vision.
What is Triprolidine?
What is Triprolidine used for?
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (e.g., runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, watery eyes)
How Triprolidine works
Triprolidine is a first-generation antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical in your body that can cause allergy symptoms like itchiness, itchy eyes, or runny nose. By blocking histamine, triprolidine helps relieve allergy symptoms.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Triprolidine?
Common Side Effects
- Sleepiness
- Feeling unsteady on your feet
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Dry mouth
Other Side Effects
- Confusion
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Headache
Serious Side Effects
- Excessive sleepiness or dizziness
- Accidentally taking too much medication: fast heartbeat, flushing, extreme sleepiness, hallucinations, changes in vision, irritability in children
Source:Â DailyMed
Pros and cons of Triprolidine
Pros
Can be used in children as young as 6 years old (if younger, ask your child's provider first)
Good option for people who can't or don't prefer to take pills by mouth
Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
Can make you feel sleepy or dizzy
Can cause hyperactivity in some children
Not the best choice for people over 65 years old or people with glaucoma, breathing problems, or urinary problems
Pharmacist tips for Triprolidine
Take triprolidine with or without food. If it hurts your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
Use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure your dose of triprolidine. Ask your pharmacy to provide you with one if the product doesn't include it in its packaging or if you need extras. Don't use household spoons because they might not be accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.
Triprolidine 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 taking this medication because it can make sleepiness and dizziness worse.
While triprolidine can make adults feel sleepy, this medication can sometimes make children feel overly-excited or energetic. If this happens to your child, speak to your child's provider. They can recommend other allergy medications for your child.
Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you're taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, to make sure triprolidine is safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking triprolidine, especially other antihistamines, without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of overdose and serious side effects, including confusion and extreme sleepiness.
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Frequently asked questions about Triprolidine
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What are the risks and warnings for Triprolidine?
Triprolidine 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
Triprolidine 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 taking triprolidine, or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medications). It's best to avoid alcohol and other medications that might make you sleepy while taking triprolidine. 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 or long-term bronchitis)
Don't take triprolidine 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 starting triprolidine.
Accidental overdose
Triprolidine is an antihistamine, which is 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 taking triprolidine without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has an antihistamine, ask your provider or pharmacist.
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Triprolidine dosage forms
Typical dosing for Triprolidine
Triprolidine products come in different concentrations, meaning they can differ in the dosage of triprolidine per milliliter (mL) of liquid. Follow the manufacturer's direction on the label for specific dosing instructions for your product.
In general:
Adults and children ages 12 years or older: The typical dose is to take 2.5 mg by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. Don't take more than 10 mg in 24 hours, unless directed by your provider.
Children ages 6 to under 12 years old: The typical dose is to take 1.25 mg by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. Don't take more than 5 mg in 24 hours, unless directed by your provider.
Children ages 6 years and under: Ask your child's provider.
How much does Triprolidine cost?
What are alternatives to Triprolidine?
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (e.g., runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, watery eyes)
Allergies
Common cold symptoms
Trouble sleeping for people 12 years and older
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat)
Relief of itchiness due to chronic (long-term) hives in children ages 6 months to under 6 years old - certain liquid solutions only
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References
Best studies we foundBorowy, C. S., et al. (2023). Antihistamine toxicity. StatPearls.
Brandywine Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2024). Triprolidine HCL drops- triprolidine hydrochloride liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Triprolidine. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Triprolidine. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.
Simons, K. J., et al. (1986). An investigation of the H1-receptor antagonist triprolidine: pharmacokinetics and antihistaminic effects. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
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