Chlorphenamine

Chlorphenamine (chlorpheniramine, UK brand Piriton) is a sedating first-generation H1 antihistamine. Clinicians sometimes use it for a short course at night when eczema itch is wrecking a toddler’s sleep. The UK MHRA barred over-the-counter cough and cold medicines containing it for children under 6 in 2009. New Zealand’s Medsafe reported a 3-year-old with a serious neurological reaction to it and warns of paradoxical excitation, tremor, hallucinations and convulsions in young children.

Connections

• Oral Antihistamines — example sedating antihistamine; toddler safety concerns, source: Medsafe 2013