Phenyltoloxamine is an antihistamine that is commonly paired with other types of medication. It can be prescribed for a wide variety of conditions from allergies to influenza to menstrual pain. Antihistamines such as phenyltoloxamine are used to relieve symptoms similar to those found with allergies.
In many of the conditions for which phenyltoloxamine is administered, there are also allergy-like symptoms of a runny nose, congestion, itching of the sinus cavity, sneezing and burning, and watering eyes. The addition of an antihistamine such as phenyltoloxamine to another type of medication can help the final tablet or capsule relieve both the root cause of the illness as well as the symptoms. Histamines are chemicals that activate the body's allergic response, and antihistamines prevent these substances from being absorbed into the body.
One of the common medicinal combinations is acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine, which is available under several brand name medications. This pairing is usually administered for conditions relating to dental work, such as tooth pain and for those recovering from dental surgery. It is also given for those experiencing menstrual pain, cramps, headaches or various kinds of joint pain. The antihistamine can also cause drowsiness, so its inclusion in this medication can also help an individual fall asleep and stay asleep through the pain caused by other conditions.
Phenyltoloxamine is in another combination medication used mainly to treat colds that have allergy symptoms along with them. It can also help relieve stuffy nose, congestion, and inflammation that causes discomfort. Conditions of the respiratory system can also be treated with this, as the combination of medications treat both the causes as well as the symptoms.
Medications including this antihistamine can be in liquid, tablet or capsule form. Most of these tablets or capsules are time-release, allowing the benefits of the medication to be regulated over the time between doses. A medical professional will generally prescribe a dose of the drug that is suited for an individual's condition, family history, overall health and weight.
Tiredness is one of the most common side effects of medications that include phenyltoloxamine as an ingredient. Other common side effects include nausea, stomach ache and dizziness. On occasion, there can be serious side effects that should be reported to a medical professional. These include overall fatigue and weakness or changes in mental state. Many of the medications that include phenyltoloxamine can cause liver damage if used incorrectly, and those with pre-existing conditions might not be prescribed these medications if a health professional believes the risk is greater than the possible benefits.