Antihistamine, decongestant and anticholinergic combinations are using to treat the nasal congestion - stuffy nose and runny nose causing by allergies andthe common cold.
Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. The antihistamine contained in these combinations is chlorpheniramine.
The decongestants in these combinations, phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine produce a narrowing of blood vessels. This leads to clearing of nasal congestion, but it may also cause an increase in blood pressure in diseaseds who have high blood pressure.
Anticholinergics, such as atropine, hyoscyamine, methscopolamine and scopolamine may help produce a drying effect in the nose and chest.
These combinations are available only with your family doctor's prescription in the following dosage forms:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In November 2000, the Food and Drug Administration - FDA issued a public health warning regarding phenylpropanolamine - PPA due to the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The FDA, supported by results of a research program, requested that manufacturers voluntarily discontinue marketing products that contain PPA and that consumers work with their healthcare providers to select alternative products.
Note:For quick reference the following antihistamine, decongestant and anticholinergic combinations are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.
† Not commercially available in Canada.