Durahist D contains two active components with different mechanisms of action for prevention and relief from allergic symptoms and reactions:
- Diphenhydramine (Antihistamine): Diphenhydramine inhibits the action of histamine, a chemical the body releases when an allergic response occurs. Histamine leads to itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Inhibiting the histamine receptors in the body, diphenhydramine prevents such allergy symptoms.
- Pseudoephedrine (Decongestant): Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant sympathomimetic drug. It achieves this effect by contracting the blood vessels of the nose, and this causes nasal swelling and decrease in congestion. This makes breathing easier through the nose and eliminates sinus pressure.
Both active ingredients combined work to both help relieve the allergic symptoms (e.g., sneezing, nasal discharge, and itching) and the nasal congestion usually experienced with these.
Although Durahist D possesses the capability to alleviate allergic symptoms, it has side effects, which are:
Common Side Effects:
- Drowsiness: Diphenhydramine induces drowsiness and makes it hard to stay awake. This is particularly common when taking Durahist D during the day.
- Dry Mouth and Throat: Dry throat and mouth are one of the usual side effects of the antihistamine drug, diphenhydramine.
- Dizziness: Others will dizzy, particularly when getting up from a lying position or sitting up or when changing positions too rapidly.
Serious Side Effects:
- Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Pseudoephedrine can lead to increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat in some people.
- Urination Difficulty: Trouble urinating is experienced by elderly individuals, particularly those with prostate conditions.
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Certain people may experience allergic reactions such as swelling, rash, or difficulty in breathing in some rare instances. Immediately seek medical help if any of these are experienced.
If you are suffering from violent drowsiness, respiratory distress, or other symptoms of an acute life-threatening allergic reaction, stop using Durahist D and talk to your doctor.
Before taking Durahist D, you should be aware of the following precautions:
- Alcohol and Sedatives: Drink alcohol and other sedative medications under Durahist D administration because the effect would enhance sedative activity by diphenhydramine.
- Medical Conditions: Ask your physician before using Durahist D if you have any heart ailment, hypertension, glaucoma, or liver or kidney disease.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Do not use Durahist D during pregnancy, particularly the third trimester. When breast-feeding, consult your doctor to assess risks.
- Children: Durahist D should not be given to children under the age of 6 unless instructed by your doctor. It may cause drowsiness in children.
Dosage of Durahist D varies with the age of the patient and the seriousness of the symptoms:
- Adults and Children 12 years and over: One tablet or one dose of liquid every 4 to 6 hours as necessary. Not more than 6 doses a day.
- Children 6 to 12 years: Half adult dose, and not exceeding 3 doses a day.
- Children under 6 Years: Durahist D should not be used in children under 6 years old unless on prescription by a physician.