What is Durahist D?
Durahist contains dexchlorpheniramine combined with methscopolamine and pseudoephedrine. Dexchlorpheniramine reduces histamine, a natural chemical in the body. Histamine may cause symptoms such as sneezing and itching. It can also produce watery eyes and a runny or stuffy nose. Methscopolamine decreases fluid secretion in the body, which can cause sneezing and runny nasal discharge. Pseudoephedrine shrinks the blood vessels of the nasal passages. Nasal congestion can be caused by a dilated blood vessel. Durahist is used for runny or stuffy nasal passages, sneezing, and watery eyes caused by allergies, colds, or the flu. Durahist D can be used in other ways than those listed.
Warnings
Durahist should not be taken if you've used an MAOI such as Furazolidone (Furoxone), Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Rasgiline, Aziziline, Selegiline, Eldepryl (Emsam, Zelapar), Tranylcypromine, or Parnate in the past 14 days. It is possible that a dangerous drug interaction will occur. This could lead to serious side effects. Alcohol can intensify certain side effects. Tell your doctor before using Durahist D if you use any other medications that cause you to sleep (such as allergy or cold medicine, sedatives or narcotic pain medicines, sleeping pills or muscle relaxers, and medication for depression or anxiety). These drugs can increase the sleepiness that is caused by methscopolamine.
Many combination medications contain antihistamines or decongestants. You can take too much medication if you take certain products together. You can check the label of a medication to see if it contains antihistamines or decongestants. Do not take stimulants, such as ADHD medication, diet pills, or caffeine pills, without consulting your doctor. Durahist D contains a decongestant that can cause unpleasant side effects when taken with a stimulant. Durahist D should not be taken for more than seven consecutive days. Speak to your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or worsen and you have a high fever.
Similar/related drugs
prednisone, fluticasone nasal, montelukast, cetirizine, benadryl, diphenhydramine, and promethazine
Before you take this drug
Durahist D should not be used if you have an allergy to dexchlorpheniramine or methscopolamine. Durahist is not recommended if you've taken a monoamine oxide inhibitor (MAOI), such as Furazolidone (Furoxone), Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Aziziline, Selegiline, Eldepryl, Emsam, or Zelapar, in the past 14 days. It is possible that a dangerous drug interaction will occur. This could lead to serious side effects.
Durahist D may need to be adjusted or special tests performed if you have any other conditions.
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders;
- Raynaud syndrome is a peripheral vascular disorder.
- Thyroid problems;
- COPD, asthma, or chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD);
- Diabetes;
- Glaucoma;
- An ulcer or obstruction in the stomach.
- Hiatal hernia and reflux disease
- If you have bladder problems or have difficulty urinating, this could be a sign of a problem.
- An enlarged prostate
- Heart disease can be caused by high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats.
- Myasthenia gravis.
FDA pregnancy category C There is no information on whether Durahist will harm a baby in utero. Durahist can pass into the breast milk, which may cause harm to a nursing infant. Durahist should not be used if you are breastfeeding a child. Durahist D may cause more side effects in older adults.
How to take Durahist D?
Durahist D should only be taken as directed by your doctor. Take Durahist D exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You should follow the instructions on your prescription label. Durahist D can be taken with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed with a glass of full water. The tablet should not be crushed or chewed. Swallow the tablet whole. You can break the tablet in half at the score to make it easier to swallow. Durahist D should not be taken for more than seven consecutive days. Speak to your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or worsen and if you have a high fever. Durahist should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose include dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, and nausea.
What should be avoided?
Durahist D can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Alcohol can intensify certain side effects. Before using any other cold or allergy medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Many combination medications contain antihistamines or decongestants. You can take too much medication by taking certain products together. You can check the label of a medication to see if it contains antihistamines or decongestants. Do not take diet pills, caffeine tablets, or stimulants like ADHD medication without consulting your doctor. Combining a stimulant with a nasal decongestant may increase the risk of side effects.
Side effects of Durahist D
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, call your doctor immediately.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat;
- Feeling like you might pass out;
- Flushing or rash
- Eye pain is a common complaint.
Durahist D may cause less serious side effects, such as:
- Dryness in your nose, eyes, and mouth
- Blurred vision
- Headache, dizziness;
- Weakness or nervousness
- Constipation, nausea, bloating, or heartburn;
- Changes in taste
- The inability to urinate
- Reduced sweating
- Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor before using Durahist if you use any other medications that cause you to sleep (such as allergy or cold medicine, sedatives or narcotic pain medicines, sleeping pills or muscle relaxers, and medication for depression or anxiety). These drugs can increase the sleepiness that is caused by methscopolamine. Durahist can cause interactions with many drugs. Here is a partial list. You should tell your doctor if any of the following are being used:
- Pramlintide (Symlin);
- Blood pressure medication
- Potassium supplements;
- Antidepressants such as amitriptyline, doxepin, imipramine, Tofranil, Janimine, and others
- Sumatriptan, also known as Imitrex (for migraine headaches), is one of the most common medications prescribed for this condition.
- Medicines to treat mental illnesses, such as risperidone or trazodone.
Inform your doctor of all the medications you take. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, and vitamin products. Never start a new medicine without consulting your doctor.
