Introduction

Carbinoxamine is a first generation antihistamine that is used for symptoms of allergic rhinitis and the common cold. Carbinoxamine has not been linked to instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.

Background

Carbinoxamine (kar" bin ox' a meen) is a first generation antihistamine that is used for alleviation of symptoms of allergic rhinitis and the common cold, including sneezing, cough, runny note, watery eyes and itching. Carbinoxamine also has mild anticholinergic effects. After reports of deaths in children less than 2 years of age who were taking carbinoxamine, its use has been restricted to adults and children over the age of 2. Carbinoxamine is currently available by prescription only in 4 mg tablets and as syrup (4 mg/5 mL) in several generic forms and under the brand name Palgic. The recommended adult oral dose is 4 to 8 mg one to four times daily. Common side effects include sedation, impairment of motor function, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth and throat, palpitations, tachycardia, abdominal distress, constipation and headache. Antihistamines can worsen urinary retention and glaucoma.

Hepatotoxicity

Like many first generation antihistamines, carbinoxamine has not been linked to liver test abnormalities or to clinically apparent liver injury. The reason for its hepatic safety may relate to low daily dose and limited duration of use.

Likelihood score: E (unlikely to be a cause of clinically apparent liver injury).

References on the safety and potential hepatotoxicity of carbinoxamine and other antihistamines are given together in the overview section on antihistamines.

Drug Class: Antihistamines