Triprolidine
First generation histamine H1 antagonist used in allergic rhinitis; asthma; and urticaria. It is a component of cough and cold medicines. It may cause drowsiness.
Mechanism of effect
Triprolidine binds to the histamine H1 receptor. This blocks the action of endogenous histamine, which subsequently leads to temporary relief of the negative symptoms brought on by histamine.
Pharmacodynamic
Triprolidine, is a histamine H1 antagonist that competes with histamine for the normal H1-receptor sites on effector cells of the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels and respiratory tract. It provides effective, temporary relief of sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and runny nose due to hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies. Triprolidine has anticholinergic and sedative effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Peak plasma time: 1.5-2 hr
Peak plasma concentration: 5.5-6 ng/mL
Onset: 15-60 min
Duration: 4-6 hr
Half-life: 3.2 hr
Drug indications
Allergic RhinitisDosage
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
2.5 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis
2.5 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
4 months to less than 2 years: 0.310 to 0.313 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
-Maximum dose: 1.25 mg/day
2 years to less than 4 years: 0.625 to 0.628 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
-Maximum dose: 2.5 mg/day
4 years to less than 6 years: 0.938 to 0.939 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
-Maximum dose: 3.75 mg/day
6 years to less than 12 years: 1.25 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
-Maximum dose: 5 mg/day
12 years and older: 2.5 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis
-Maximum dose: 1.25 mg/day
2 years to less than 4 years: 0.625 to 0.628 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
-Maximum dose: 2.5 mg/day
4 years to less than 6 years: 0.938 to 0.939 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
-Maximum dose: 3.75 mg/day
6 years to less than 12 years: 1.25 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
-Maximum dose: 5 mg/day
12 years and older: 2.5 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Drug contraindications
severe hypersensitivity reactionsInteractions
Acetylcholine , potassium citrate , Topiramate , Zonisamide , Sodium Oxybate , propoxyphene , glycopyrrolate topicalAlerts
May cause CNS depression, resulting in impaired physical or mental abilities; caution patients about performing tasks that require mental alertness (eg, driving, operating machinery)
Antihistamines may cause excitation in young children
Discontinue and contact physician if symptoms persist beyond 7 days or are accompanied by fever
Discontinue and contact physician if nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occur
Do not exceed recommended dose
Points of recommendation
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using triprolidine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.
Since triprolidine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
triprolidine may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of triprolidine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine. Many combination medicines contain antihistamines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medicine.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Triprolidine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Ask a Pharmacist