Health Library

Carbinoxamine (By mouth)

Carbinoxamine (kar-bin-OX-a-meen)

Treats allergic reactions. This medicine is an antihistamine.

Brand Name(s):

Karbinal ER, RyVent

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Tablet, Liquid, Long Acting Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take the tablet and oral syrup on an empty stomach with water.
• You may break the tablet in half to make it easier to take, but do not crush or chew it.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The teaspoons and tablespoons used for serving and eating food do not measure exact amounts.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not take carbinoxamine if you are using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, narrow-angle glaucoma, overactive thyroid, trouble urinating, enlarged prostate, a stomach ulcer, or bowel blockage.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have asthma or are allergic to sulfites. This medicine contains sodium metabisulfite, which may cause an allergic reaction.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dizziness or severe sleepiness
• Seeing or hearing things that are not there, seizure
• Urinating more than usual, or difficulty urinating

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• Cough producing mucus
• Dry mouth, dry eyes
• Feeling restless or excited (especially in children)
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, stomach upset, loss of appetite

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024