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Carbinoxamine

Generic name: carbinoxamine [ car-bi-NOX-a-meen ]
Brand names: Karbinal ER, Ryvent, Histex PD, Histex CT, Carbinoxamine PD, ... show all 15 brands
Dosage forms: oral liquid (4 mg/5 mL), oral suspension, extended release (4 mg/5 mL), oral tablet (4 mg; 6 mg)
Drug class: Antihistamines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 12, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is carbinoxamine?

Carbinoxamine is an antihistamine that is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms of allergies.

Carbinoxamine is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Carbinoxamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Carbinoxamine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Carbinoxamine may cause serious side effects. Stop using carbinoxamine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Side effects such as dizziness and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of carbinoxamine may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use carbinoxamine if you are allergic to it.

Do not use carbinoxamine if you also use an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

You should not breastfeed while using carbinoxamine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

How should I take carbinoxamine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Follow all directions when giving carbinoxamine to a child. Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Carbinoxamine is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal, especially to a child.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness or restless feeling, hallucinations, dilated pupils, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking carbinoxamine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how carbinoxamine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

What other drugs will affect carbinoxamine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicines that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.