ALLERGON 2% (20MG/G) CREAM
MEPYRAMINE MALEATE BP
What it does
Mepyramine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms.
Commonly used for: allergic reactions, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), itching, hives (urticaria)
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:46 · updated 2026-09-15 04:32:43
About this medicine
Mepyramine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms.
What it treats
- allergic reactions
- hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
- itching
- hives (urticaria)
How it works
Mepyramine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
Who it's for
This medication is suitable for adults and children who experience allergic symptoms.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: mepyramine
BNF-referencedMepyramine is an antihistamine that functions primarily as an inverse agonist at the histamine H1 receptor. It is utilized in the management of allergic conditions, acting to alleviate symptoms such as urticaria, pruritus, and other allergic reactions. Mepyramine is noted for its sedative effects, which are mediated at the central nervous system level.
Indications
- Allergic rhinitis
- Urticaria
- Pruritus
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Anaphylactic reactions (adjunctive treatment)
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate pediatric dosing guidelines.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing recommendations based on the condition being treated, as dosing may vary.
Mechanism of action
Mepyramine binds to the histamine H1 receptor, promoting a G protein-coupled inactive state that interferes with Gq/11-mediated signaling. By competing with histamine for binding at H1-receptor sites, it suppresses histaminic responses, including edema, flare, and itching. Its sedative properties are linked to actions within the central nervous system, while its anticholinergic effects provide a drying action on the nasal mucosa.
Pharmacodynamics
As an H1 receptor antagonist, mepyramine inhibits the effects of histamine, which include increased vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction, and sensory nerve stimulation. This leads to reduced symptoms of allergic responses, such as swelling and itchiness. Mepyramine also demonstrates anticholinergic properties, resulting in additional drying effects on mucosal surfaces.
Pharmacokinetics
Mepyramine is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. It crosses the blood-brain barrier, which contributes to its sedative effects. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily via urine. The onset of action can vary but is generally within 1 to 2 hours, with a duration of effect that can last several hours.
Adverse effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
Interactions
- CNS depressants may enhance sedative effects
- Alcohol may increase the risk of sedation and dizziness
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with glaucoma
- Use with caution in patients with urinary retention
- Caution in patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma
Pregnancy
Mepyramine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Mepyramine is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Formulations
- Tablets
- Syrup
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: mepyramine
PubChem CID 4992Molecular formula: C17H23N3O
Mechanism of action
Mepyramine is a histamine H1 receptor inverse agonist. It binds to a G protein-coupled form of the receptor and promotes a G protein-coupled inactive state of the H1 receptor that interferes with the Gq/11-mediated signaling. Mepyramine competes with histamine for binding at H<sub>1</sub>-receptor sites on the effector cell surface, resulting in suppression of histaminic edema, flare, and pruritus. The sedative properties of Mepyramine occur at the subcortical level of the CNS. Antihistamines used in the treatment of allergy act by competing with histamine for H1-receptor sites on effector cells. They thereby prevent, but do not reverse, responses mediated by histamine alone. Antihistamines antagonize, in varying degrees, most of the pharmacological effects of histamine, including urticaria and pruritus. Also, the anticholinergic actions of most antihistamines provide a drying effect on the nasal mucosa. /Antihistamines/ H1 antagonists inhibit most responses of smooth muscle to histamine. Antagonism of the constrictor action of histamine on respiratory smooth muscle is easily shown in vivo and in vitro. /Histamine Antagonists: H1 Antagonists/ H1 antagonists strongly block the action of histamine that results in increased permeability and formation of edema and wheal. /Histamine Antagonists: H1 Antagonists/ Some H1 antagonists possess local anesthetic activity ... . /Histamine Antagonists: H1 Antagonists/ For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for PYRILAMINE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
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