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Overview: Carbinoxamine is an antihistamine that is taken to reduce allergy symptoms or treat certain types of allergic reactions. It comes as a liquid or tablet that you take by mouth. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and stomach upset. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness, coordination, or clear vision until you know how carbinoxamine affects you. Call your health care provider right away if you are having trouble peeing or cannot empty your bladder while taking carbinoxamine.

Uses

What is carbinoxamine used for?

Carbinoxamine is commonly taken for the following conditions.

Carbinoxamine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does carbinoxamine work (mechanism of action)?

Carbinoxamine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine.

How is carbinoxamine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Clistin
  • Karbinal ER

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 4 mg/5 mL extended-release oral suspension
  • 4 mg/5 mL oral solution
  • 4 mg and 6 mg oral tablets

How should I store carbinoxamine?

Carbinoxamine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of carbinoxamine?

The most common side effects of carbinoxamine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness or tiredness
  • Dizziness or feeling off balance
  • Stomach upset
  • Increase in thickness of mucus in the lungs

There may be other side effects of carbinoxamine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of carbinoxamine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of carbinoxamine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Carbinoxamine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking carbinoxamine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Sleepiness and Decreased Alertness. Carbinoxamine can make you very sleepy or affect your alertness or coordination. It can also cause blurry vision. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness, coordination, or clear vision until you know how carbinoxamine affects you.

Seizures. Some people who have taken carbinoxamine have reported having convulsions, also known as seizures. This may be more common in children. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking carbinoxamine and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Carbinoxamine might make it harder to empty your bladder, especially if you already have a blockage. Stop taking carbinoxamine and call your health care provider right away if you are having trouble peeing or cannot empty your bladder.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use carbinoxamine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take carbinoxamine.

  • Carbinoxamine 
  • Clistin
  • Karbinal ER
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific carbinoxamine products they stock.

Certain Children. Carbinoxamine should not be taken by children younger than 2 years old. The medicine can cause serious side effects in these children. 

Breastfeeding. Do not take carbinoxamine if you are breastfeeding. You must either stop breastfeeding or stop carbinoxamine. See the Breastfeeding section for more details.

Drug Interactions. Carbinoxamine should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking carbinoxamine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about carbinoxamine before using it?

Do not take carbinoxamine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share carbinoxamine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep carbinoxamine out of the reach of children.

If you are taking carbinoxamine liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Some carbinoxamine liquids need to be shaken well before measuring each dose. This helps make sure the medicine is evenly mixed so you get the correct and safe amount each time. Follow the directions on your carbinoxamine liquid. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure if you need to shake your carbinoxamine liquid. 

Carbinoxamine can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

People who are 60 and older or those younger than 18 can be at greater risk of some side effects from carbinoxamine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in one of these age groups.

Some carbinoxamine products may have an ingredient called sodium metabisulfite, which is a type of sulfite. If you have asthma, you may be more likely to have a sulfite allergy. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

What should I tell my health care provider before using carbinoxamine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if carbinoxamine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Increased pressure in your eyes or glaucoma
  • Stomach or bowel problems, including ulcers or blockages
  • Bladder or prostate problems, including a blockage or an enlarged prostate
  • Breathing or lung problems, including asthma
  • Thyroid problems 
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how carbinoxamine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take carbinoxamine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not take carbinoxamine while you are breastfeeding. Carbinoxamine can pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does carbinoxamine interact with foods or drinks?

Some carbinoxamine products may need to be taken on an empty stomach. Follow the instructions on your specific carbinoxamine product and ask your pharmacist if you are not sure how to take your medicine. 

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking carbinoxamine. The risk of dizziness and drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking carbinoxamine.

Does carbinoxamine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

 In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking carbinoxamine.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • Any other antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is a medicine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms
  • A barbiturate, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with carbinoxamine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much carbinoxamine?

If you or someone else has taken too much carbinoxamine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of carbinoxamine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.