What Is Comhist?

Comhist is a medication used to relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory infections. It belongs to a class of medications known as antihistamines, and it is available over-the-counter and by prescription. Comhist is a combination of chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine, and it is also sold as a combination of chlorpheniramine and phenyltoloxamine. The medication is frequently used to treat the symptoms of allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, and the common cold. Patients who use Comhist may develop side effects, including headaches, dizziness, and constipation. In general, this medicine should not be given to children under six years old, and it should never be used to make a child sleepy.

The uses, side effects, precautions, and potential medication interactions associated with Comhist are discussed below.

How It Works

As an antihistamine, Comhist works by physically blocking the H1 receptors in the body so histamine cannot bind to them. The body makes histamine in several areas, and large quantities of histamine are made in the mast cells of the skin, nose, and throat. These areas frequently come into contact with the outside environment, and histamine plays a role in the body's immune response. Histamine is released by the mast cells if the body detects a foreign substance, and this release can produce itching, swelling, and redness. In cases of allergies, the body often releases much more histamine than it should, and this produces watery eyes and other symptoms. Antihistamines like Comhist work to calm this overreaction. In addition to Comhist, other types of antihistamines include loratadine, alimemazine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, fexofenadine, and acrivastine.

Get the full details on the uses and benefits linked to Comhist next.

Comhist Uses and Benefits

As stated, Comhist is primarily used to relieve symptoms associated with the common cold, influenza, and allergies. It is also beneficial in alleviating many of the symptoms that may develop in cases of bronchitis, sinusitis, and similar breathing issues. Many patients find Comhist helps with temporary relief from watery eyes and an itchy throat, and it is also useful for treating a runny nose. It may help reduce sneezing and itching of the throat, eyes, or nose too. Some individuals have found Comhist is beneficial in relieving ear congestion and a stuffy nose as well. Patients should use Comhist according to the package directions, and it is important to check with a doctor before using this medication for a condition not listed in the medication leaflet.

Learn about the potential side effects of Comhist next.

Potential Side Effects

The most common potential side effects of this medication are drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, and dizziness. Some patients have experienced a dry nose or throat during treatment with Comhist, and headaches are frequently reported. This medication can cause patients to have trouble sleeping too. Although serious side effects are unlikely, some individuals could notice blurred or double vision while taking Comhist. Other serious side effects may include ringing in the ears and difficulty with urination. Confusion and hallucinations have occurred in some patients as well. Patients should let their doctor know immediately if they experience any serious side effects, and they should also inform their doctor or pharmacist if they notice troublesome side effects that persist or worsen. In rare cases, patients have developed a rapid or irregular heartbeat while taking Comhist, and seizures have occurred in some users. Patients should be taken to an emergency room right away if these side effects occur.

Some individuals could have an allergic reaction to Comhist, the symptoms of which typically include severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. Allergic reactions can cause a skin rash and severe itching too. If patients notice symptoms of a possible allergic reaction, they should seek immediate medical care. To reduce the risk of experiencing potential side effects with Comhist, patients should ensure they use it for the shortest length of time that treats their symptoms, and they should take it at the lowest effective dose as well.

Uncover precautions to remember in regards to Comhist next.

Precautions To Remember

Patients should read the complete list of ingredients before purchasing Comhist, and they should check with a doctor or pharmacist if they have any known or suspected allergies. Comhist may cause patients to feel drowsy or dizzy, and they must avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they understand how the medication affects them. This medication should not be used with alcohol or marijuana due to the risk of increased drowsiness. Before using Comhist, the patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist about any history of asthma, emphysema, or breathing difficulties, and it is important to disclose any history of diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, kidney disease, liver issues, or seizures as well. This medication may not be safe for use by individuals with these health concerns. Patients should also check with a doctor before taking Comhist if they have an overactive thyroid, stomach ulcers, intestinal blockages, or difficulties with urination. Seniors could be particularly sensitive to the side effects of this medication, and they might notice more dizziness or drowsiness than younger patients. Individuals who are pregnant should discuss the risks and benefits of Comhist with a physician before taking it. Since Comhist may pass into breastmilk, patients who are nursing should talk to their doctor before using this medicine.

Discover potential medication interactions next.

Potential Medication Interactions

Due to the risk of a potentially fatal medication interaction, patients should never take Comhist with linezolid, moclobemide, isocarboxazid, selegiline, or other types of monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Patients who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors will need to discontinue these medications for at least two weeks before starting treatment with Comhist. Taking Comhist with opioids, muscle relaxants, sleep aids, or anxiety medications could cause a significant increase in drowsiness, and patients should talk with their doctor or pharmacist if they use any of these medicines. Individuals who take other types of antihistamines, including diphenhydramine or cetirizine, should check with their doctor before using Comhist. Cold and allergy remedies like Comhist could sometimes affect blood pressure, and patients should ask their pharmacist before using Comhist with any other medicine for cold or allergy symptoms.