Hesperian Health Guides
Antihistamines: Medicines for Allergy
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These drugs are not helpful for the common cold.
For a severe allergic reaction where there is difficulty breathing, epinephrine (adrenaline) is needed as well as antihistamines.
Chlorpheniramine, chlorphenamine
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces itching, sneezing, rashes, and other problems caused by allergies. It can be used after an insect bite, a mild food or drug allergy, or for “hay fever” (sneezing and itchy eyes from pollen in the air).
Sleepiness (but this is less likely than with other antihistamines).
3 to 5 years: give 1 mg, every 4 to 6 hours until the person feels better.
6 to 12 years: give 2 mg, every 4 to 6 hours until the person feels better.
Over 12 years: give 4 mg, every 4 to 6 hours until the person feels better.
6 to 12 years: inject 5 to 10 mg, every 4 to 6 hours until the signs of allergic reaction are gone.
Over 12 years: inject 10 to 20 mg (no more than 40 mg in 24 hours), every 4 to 6 hours until the signs of allergic reaction are gone.