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Overview: Triprolidine is an antihistamine that is taken to relieve allergy symptoms. The most common side effect is drowsiness. It may cause excitability in children. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how triprolidine affects you. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, triprolidine also comes as a liquid.

Uses

What is triprolidine used for?

Triprolidine is commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, or an itchy nose or throat.

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

How does triprolidine work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is triprolidine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Histex
  • M-Hist
  • PediaClear
  • Vanaclear PD
  • Vanahist PD

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.938 mg/mL, 1.25 mg/1 mL, 1.25 mg/2 mL, 2.5 mg/5 mL oral liquid/syrup
  • 2.5 mg oral tablets

How should I store triprolidine?

Triprolidine 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 triprolidine?

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

  • Drowsiness
  • Excitability (especially in children)

There may be other side effects of triprolidine 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 triprolidine?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Triprolidine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking triprolidine 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use triprolidine?

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

  • Histex
  • Triprolidine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about triprolidine before using it?

Keep triprolidine out of the reach of children.

There are several forms of triprolidine available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider.

If you are taking triprolidine 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.

Triprolidine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how triprolidine affects you.

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

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 triprolidine 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. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Triprolidine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking triprolidine, 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.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how triprolidine 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 triprolidine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Triprolidine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take triprolidine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does triprolidine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between triprolidine and foods or non-alcoholic drinks.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking triprolidine. The risk of drowsiness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking triprolidine.

Does triprolidine 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 other medicine that causes drowsiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with triprolidine. 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 triprolidine?

If you or someone else has taken too much triprolidine, 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 triprolidine?

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.