What is Pheniramine 25 mg used for?
In the pharmaceutical industry, Pheniramine Maleate 25 mg is a classic first-generation alkylamine antihistamine. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I classify this as a “potent sedative antihistamine,” widely recognized by its innovator brand name, Avil.
While second-generation antihistamines (like Cetirizine) are preferred for non-drowsy daytime use, Pheniramine remains a cornerstone of therapy due to its rapid onset and effectiveness in acute allergic reactions.
Primary Clinical Uses
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Allergic Disorders: Treatment of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), conjunctivitis, and drug-induced rashes.
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Dermatological Conditions: Highly effective for relieving the intense itching (pruritus) associated with urticaria (hives), eczema, and insect bites.
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Motion Sickness: Used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by travel.
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Acute Allergic Reactions: Often used as an initial oral treatment for mild to moderate allergic episodes before they escalate.
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Insomnia (Secondary Use): Due to its significant sedative side effect, it is sometimes used off-label to aid sleep in patients suffering from allergy-induced discomfort.
Mechanism of Action: $H_1$ Receptor Antagonism
Pheniramine acts by competing with histamine for receptor sites on effector cells.
Competitive Inhibition: It binds to $H_1$ receptors in the GI tract, blood vessels, and respiratory tract.
Symptom Suppression: By blocking these receptors, it prevents histamine-induced vasodilation, increased capillary permeability (which causes swelling), and the “itch” signal sent to the nerves.
Blood-Brain Barrier: Unlike newer antihistamines, Pheniramine easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. This causes its characteristic sedation but also makes it effective against motion sickness by acting on the vestibular system in the brain.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export
From a production and global trade standpoint at your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, Pheniramine 25 mg is a high-demand, reliable asset:
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The “Avil” Standard: In many export markets, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia, doctors specifically request the “Avil-equivalent” 25 mg tablet. This makes it a high-volume B2B product for your trading firm.
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Stability & Shelf Life: Pheniramine is relatively stable but sensitive to moisture. We utilize PVC/PVDC or Alu-Alu blister packaging to ensure a 36-month shelf life, even in the high-humidity Zone IVb climates.
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Dosing Versatility: While 25 mg is the standard adult dose, its safety profile allows for easy titration. As a manufacturer, ensuring your tablets are scored (breakable) is a major USP for pediatric or geriatric dosing.
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Regulatory Documentation: Our Mumbai-based facility provides full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your international registration and participation in government healthcare tenders.