Home Drug Guide Tripelennamine Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Tripelennamine Hydrochloride

Brand Names Pbz, Pbz-SR

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihistamine, first-generation

Pharmacological: H1 receptor antagonist

FDA Approved Indications

  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Urticaria (hives)
  • Hay fever

Mechanism of Action

Tripelennamine blocks H1 histamine receptors, thereby reducing the effects of histamine in allergic reactions, such as vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, and sensory nerve stimulation.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 25-50 mg orally 2-4 times daily as needed.

Pediatric: Dosage varies by age and weight; consult specific pediatric dosing guidelines.

Geriatric: Start at lower doses due to increased sensitivity and risk of adverse effects.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; hepatic impairment may alter metabolism.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: Widely distributed; crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in urine, as well as feces.

Half Life: Approximately 3-6 hours, but may be prolonged in hepatic or renal impairment.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to tripelennamine or other antihistamines.
  • Presence of urinary retention, prostatic hypertrophy, or glaucoma.

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or on concomitant CNS depressants.
  • Potential for CNS depression and anticholinergic effects.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Sedation (Common)
  • Dizziness (Common)
  • Dry mouth (Common)
  • Drowsiness (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Hepatotoxicity (Rare)
  • Blood dyscrasias (Rare)
  • Arrhythmias (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Additive CNS depression with alcohol and other sedatives.
  • Anticholinergic drugs may enhance side effects.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for sedation, anticholinergic effects, and effectiveness in relieving allergic symptoms.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for falls due to sedation.
  • Impaired mucus clearance.

Implementation: Administer with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs. Educate on avoiding alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Evaluation: Assess for reduction in allergic symptoms and monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Do not operate heavy machinery or drive until drug effects are known.
  • Take as directed, typically with food to minimize GI upset.
  • Report any unusual side effects, especially signs of allergic reactions or CNS effects.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None currently.

Genetic Factors: None well established.

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe CNS depression, hallucinations, agitation, visual disturbances, urinary retention, tachycardia.

Treatment: Supportive care, activated charcoal if within 1 hour of ingestion, managing symptoms, and providing hydration. No specific antidote.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.