From the Guidelines
Chlorpheniramine is not recommended for treating vomiting due to its limited effectiveness on this symptom. While chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that can be used for allergy symptoms, its role in managing nausea and vomiting is not well-established compared to other antiemetic agents 1. For vomiting, medications that directly affect the vomiting center in the brain or gut motility are preferred.
Alternatives to Chlorpheniramine
- Ondansetron, which can be given in doses of 4-8mg every 8 hours, is a serotonin receptor antagonist effective in treating nausea and vomiting.
- Promethazine, at doses of 12.5-25mg every 4-6 hours, is another option, acting as an antidopaminergic in the area postrema of the brain 1.
- Metoclopramide, given at 10mg every 6-8 hours, affects gut motility and can be used for vomiting.
Management of Vomiting
In addition to medication, managing vomiting involves:
- Staying hydrated with small sips of clear fluids.
- Avoiding solid foods until vomiting subsides.
- Gradually reintroducing bland foods. It's crucial to address the underlying cause of vomiting, which could range from viral illnesses, food poisoning, medication side effects, to more serious conditions. If vomiting is severe, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, or dehydration, seeking medical attention promptly is advised rather than self-medicating 1.
From the Research
Chlorpheniramine for Vomiting
- There are no research papers that directly discuss the use of chlorpheniramine for vomiting 2, 3, 4.
- However, studies have explored the efficacy of other antiemetic agents such as domperidone and ondansetron in treating vomiting in pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis 4.
- Chlorpheniramine has been studied for its potential clinical applications, including its use as an antihistamine and its possible effects on serotonin and noradrenaline neurons 5, 6.
- One study suggests that chlorpheniramine may have selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) effects, which could potentially be useful in treating certain conditions, but its use for vomiting is not specifically mentioned 5.
- Another study reviews the literature on chlorpheniramine's clinical applications, including its potential use in treating various conditions, but does not discuss its efficacy in treating vomiting 6.