From the Research
The intravenous dose of chlorpheniramine for pediatric patients is 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/dose given every 6 hours as needed, with a maximum single dose of 10 mg, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Key Considerations
- For children under 12 years, the typical dose ranges from 2.5-5 mg per dose, while adolescents 12 years and older may receive 5-10 mg per dose.
- Administration should be slow, given over at least 1 minute to avoid rapid histamine release and hypotension.
- This medication should be diluted in compatible IV fluids before administration.
- Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions by blocking H1 histamine receptors.
Side Effects and Monitoring
- Side effects include sedation, dry mouth, and urinary retention, which should be monitored closely.
- In emergency situations such as anaphylaxis, it is typically used as an adjunct to epinephrine rather than as a first-line treatment.
- Continuous cardiac monitoring is recommended during IV administration due to potential cardiovascular effects, particularly in patients with cardiac conditions.
Pharmacokinetics
- The pharmacokinetics of chlorpheniramine in children have been studied, with a mean serum half-life of 13.1 +/- 6.3 hr, a mean volume of distribution of 7.0 +/- 2.8 L/kg, and a mean clearance rate of 7.2 +/- 3.2 ml/min/kg 2.
- However, the most recent study 1 provides a comprehensive review of the literature and supports the recommended dose.
Clinical Applications
- Chlorpheniramine has been used to treat various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, and depression, and has been explored for its potential antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2 1.