Rhinitis - Allergic Drug Summary

Last updated: 26 September 2025

Content on this page:

Anticholinergic (Intranasal)

Content on this page:

Anticholinergic (Intranasal)

Anticholinergic (Intranasal)


Drug Available Strength
 Dosage Remarks
Ipratropium bromide 0.06% spray (42 mcg/spray)

Children ≥12 years old and adults: 1 spray each nostril 8-12 hourly

 Adverse Reactions
  • Respiratory effects (upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, sinusitis); CV effects (chest pain, palpitation); CNS effects (headache, dizziness); GI effects (dry mouth, bad taste, dyspepsia, nausea); Hypersensitivity effects (urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm)
Special Instructions
  • Avoid contact of eyes with inhalation solution
  • Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia, patients predisposed to narrow-angle glaucoma, bladder neck obstruction, myasthenia gravis
  • Check patient's inhaler technique for optimum delivery of the drug

Antihistamines & Antiallergics (Allergen Extracts)


Drug Available Strength Dosage Remarks
Grass pollen allergen extract 100 IR/mL
300 IR/mL

Children ≥5 years old:
100 mg sublingual (SL) 24 hourly on day 1 followed by 200 mg SL 24 hourly on day 2 then 300 mg SL 24 hourly thereafter
Adults: 300 mg SL 24 hourly

Adverse Reactions

  • Nasopharyngeal effects (throat irritation, oromucosal blistering, tongue/lip/mouth edema, tonsillitis, nasal congestion); Respiratory effects (bronchitis, asthma, dyspnea); CNS effects (headache, dizziness); Other effects (conjunctivitis, GI upset, chest pain, pruritus)
Special Instructions
  • Use with caution in patients with oral surgery, dental extraction, galactose intolerance, children <5 years old
  • Start treatment 4 months before and maintain therapy throughout pollen season
House dust mite allergen extract
(D pteronyssinus &
D farinae)
 100 IR/mL
300 IR/mL

Children ≥5 years old and adults:
100 mg SL 24 hourly on day 1 followed by 200 mg SL 24 hourly on day 2 then 300 mg SL 24 hourly thereafter

Adverse Reactions

  • Nasopharyngeal effects (throat irritation, oromucosal blistering, tongue/lip/mouth edema, tonsillitis, nasal congestion); Respiratory effects (bronchitis, asthma, dyspnea); CNS effects (headache, dizziness); Other effects (conjunctivitis, GI upset, chest pain, pruritus)
Special Instructions
  • Maintain sublingually for 2 minutes before swallowing
  • Use with caution in patients with oral cavity inflammation, oral lesions, fungal infection, recent tooth extraction, oral surgery, modified diet (strict low sodium diet)
12 SQ-HDM oral lyophilisate tab

Children ≥12 years old and adults:
1 tab SL 24 hourly

Adverse Reactions

  • Nasopharyngeal effects (throat irritation, oromucosal erythema, lip/mouth edema, rhinitis); Respiratory effects (bronchitis, asthma, dyspnea); Other effects (GI upset, chest discomfort, pruritus, urticaria)
Special Instructions
  • Take 5 minutes before meals and beverage; maintain sublingually for approximately 1 minute before swallowing
  • Avoid abrupt discontinuation of asthma controller medication
  • Avoid in patients with severe asthma exacerbation within the last 3 months, asthma with acute respiratory tract infection (postpone until infection has resolved); active or poorly controlled autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, malignant neoplastic diseases, acute severe oral inflammation or wounds
  • Use with caution in patients with previous systemic allergic reaction to SC house dust mite immunotherapy, cardiac disease, severe or persisting gastroesophageal symptoms, autoimmune diseases in remission, fish allergy
  • Postpone therapy in patients with asthma and experiencing acute respiratory tract infection, severe oral inflammation, oral wounds, oral surgery, dental extraction, or following tooth loss and temporarily interrupt ongoing treatment

Antihistamines & Antiallergics (Intranasal)


Drug Available Strength Dosage Remarks
Azelastine 0.1% spray (137 mcg/spray) Children ≥12 years old and adults: 1-2 sprays each nostril 12 hourly         Adverse Reactions
  • CNS effects (headache, drowsiness, dizziness, somnolence); GI effects (bitter taste, nausea); Respiratory effects (colds, cough, epistaxis, sinusitis, nasal irritation); CV effects (flushing, hypertension, tachycardia); Dermatologic effects (contact dermatitis, eczema)
Special Instructions
  • Avoid contact of eyes/mouth with inhalation solution
  • Use with caution in patients who need mental alertness (eg driving or using machineries)
Levocabastine 0.05% nasal spray Children ≥9 years old and adults: 1 spray each nostril 12 hourly
May increase to 6-8 hourly as needed
Olopatadine  0.6% nasal spray
(665mcg/spray)		 Children 6-11 years old:
1 spray each nostril 12 hourly
Children ≥12 years old and adults: 2 sprays each nostril 12 hourly

Antihistamines & Antiallergics (Oral)*


Drug Dosage
Remarks
Children
 Adult
First Generation
Azatadine 6-12 years old: 0.5-1 mg PO 12 hourly

1-2 mg PO 12 hourly

Adverse Reactions

  • CNS effects (drowsiness, lassitude, dizziness, incoordination, paradoxical stimulation, psychomotor impairment, headache); Antimuscarinic effects (dry mouth, viscous secretions, urinary retention, blurred vision)
  • Occasionally cause GI effects (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric pain, anorexia or increased appetite); CV effects (palpitations, arrhythmias, rarely hazardous ventricular arrhythmias); Hypersensitivity effects (rashes, angioedema, anaphylaxis); Other effects (convulsion, sweating, myalgia, tremor, hypotension)
    • Promethazine may sometimes cause photosensitivity or jaundice
Special Instructions
  • Avoid use in patients who need mental alertness (eg driving or using machineries) and with alcohol intake
  • Use with caution in patients with angle-closure glaucoma, urinary retention, prostatic hyperplasia, epilepsy, renal/hepatic impairment
    • Reduction of dosage may be needed

 

 
Brompheniramine 2-6 years old: 1 mg PO 4-6 hourly
>6-12 years old: 2 mg PO 4-6 hourly
>12 years old: Same as adult

4 mg PO 4-6 hourly
Carbinoxamine
 2-5 years old: 1-2 mg PO 6-8 hourly
6-11 years old: 2-4 mg PO 6-8 hourly
≥12 years old: Same as adult
 4-8 mg PO 6-8 hourly
Chlorpheniramine 6-11 years old: 2 mg PO 4-6 hourly
12-17 years old: Same as adult
Extended-release
12-17 years old: Same as adult 		 4 mg PO 4-6 hourly
Extended-release: 12 mg PO 12 hourly
Max dose: 24 mg/day
Clemastine
 1-3 years old: 0.25-0.5 mg PO 12 hourly
3-6 years old: 0.5 mg PO 12 hourly
6-12 years old: 0.5-1 mg PO 12 hourly
>12 years old: Same as adult
 1 mg PO 12 hourly
Max dose: 6 mg/day
Cyproheptadine  2-6 years old: 2 mg PO 8-12 hourly
7-14 years old: 4 mg PO 8-12 hourly 		 4-20 mg/day PO divided 8 hourly
Max dose: 32 mg/day or 0.5 mg/kg/day
Dexchlorpheniramine  2-5 years old: 0.5 mg PO 4-6 hourly
6-12 years old: 1 mg PO 4-6 hourly
>12 years old: Same as adult		 2 mg PO 4-6 hourly
Dimethindene (Dimetindene)
  - 1-2 mg PO 8 hourly 
Diphenhydramine
 2-6 years old: 6.25 mg PO 4-6 hourly
6-12 years old: 12.5-25 mg PO 4-6 hourly
>12 years old: Same as adult 		 25-50 mg PO 4-6 hourly
Max dose: 300 mg/day
Homochlorcyclizine   - 10-20 mg PO 8 hourly
Mebhydrolin napadisylate
 <2 years old: 50-100 mg/day PO in divided doses
2-5 years old: 50-150 mg/day PO in divided doses
6-10 years old: 100-200 mg/day PO in divided doses
>10 years old: Same as adult 		 100-300 mg/day PO in divided doses
Oxatomide
 0.5 mg/kg PO 12 hourly
Optimal dose: 1 mg/kg PO 12 hourly 		 30 mg PO 12 hourly 
Pheniramine
 5-10 years old: 22.5 mg PO up to 8 hourly
>10 years old: Same as adult
 15-30 mg PO 8-12 hourly or
45 mg PO 8 hourly
Max dose: 3 mg/kg/day 
Promethazine 2-5 years old: 5-15 mg/day PO divided 12-24 hourly
6-12 years old: 10-25 mg PO 24 hourly at night or 5-10 mg PO 12 hourly

10-20 mg PO 8-12 hourly
or 25 mg PO as single dose at bedtime or increased to 12 hourly
Max dose: 60 mg/day
Second Generation
Acrivastine 
≥12 years old: 8 mg PO 8 hourly

8 mg PO 8 hourly

Adverse Reactions

  • Cause little to no drowsiness and antimuscarinic effect as compared to first generation antihistamines
    • Cetirizine may cause higher incidence of drowsiness as compared with other second generation antihistamines even if given at recommended dose
Special Instructions
  • Use with caution in patients who need mental alertness (eg driving or using machineries), may rarely affect performance of skilled task
  • Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, epilepsy and in the elderly
Bilastine
 6-11 years old, ≥20 kg:
10 mg orodispersible tab PO 24 hourly
≥12 years old: Same as adult 		 20 mg PO 24 hourly
Cetirizine1
 1-2 years old: 2.5 mg PO 12 hourly
2-6 years old: 2.5 mg PO 12 hourly or 5 mg PO 24 hourly
>6 years old: Same as adult
 5 mg PO 12 hourly or
10 mg PO 24 hourly
Desloratadine
 6-11 months old: 1 mg PO 24 hourly
1-5 years old: 1.25 mg PO 24 hourly
6-11 years old: 2.5 mg PO 24 hourly
≥12 years old: Same as adult
 5 mg PO 24 hourly
Ebastine
 >12 years old: Same as adult  10-20 mg PO 24 hourly
Fexofenadine
 2-11 years old: 30 mg PO 12 hourly
≥12 years old: Same as adult 		 60 mg PO 12 hourly or 120-180 mg PO 24 hourly 
Levocetirizine1
 Perennial rhinitis
6 months-5 years old: 1.25 mg PO 24 hourly
6-11 years old: 2.5 mg PO 24 hourly
≥12 years old: Same as adult
Seasonal rhinitis
≥6 months-2 years old: 2.5 mg PO 24 hourly
>2-5 years old: 2.5 mg PO 12 hourly or 5 mg PO 24 hourly
≥6 years old: Same as adult dose 		 5 mg PO 12-24 hourly or
10 mg PO 24 hourly
Loratadine
 2-12 years old, ≤30 kg: 5 mg PO 24 hourly
2-12 years old, >30 kg: Same as adult
≥12 years old: Same as adult
10 mg PO 24 hourly
Mequitazine
  - 5 mg PO 12 hourly 
Mizolastine  ≥12 years old: Same as adult
 10 mg PO 24 hourly
Rupatadine  2-12 years old, ≥10-<25 kg: 2.5 mg PO 24 hourly
2-12 years old, ≥25 kg:
5 mg PO 24 hourly
≥12 years old: Same as adult 		 10 mg PO 24 hourly 
*Antihistamines combined with other corticosteroids, cold remedies or decongestants are available. Please see the latest MIMS for specific formulations and prescribing information.
1Available in combination with Montelukast. Please see the latest MIMS for specific formulations and prescribing information.

Corticosteroids (Intranasal)*


Drug Available Strength Dosage
Remarks
 Children Adults
Beclomethasone 50 mcg/dose nasal spray ≥6 years old: Same as adult 1 spray each nostril 6-8 hourly or 2 sprays each nostril 12 hourly       Adverse Reactions
  • Local effects (oropharyngeal candidiasis, cough from upper airway irritation, dysphonia); Paradoxical bronchospasm
  • Risk of systemic effects will depend on dose, potency of the corticosteroid, absorption from the gut, delivery system, the use of spacers and the drugs pharmacokinetics
  • Long-term use of high-dose steroids may result in cataracts, glaucoma, skin thinning, easy bruising and adrenal suppression
Special Instructions
  • Local effects may be minimized by using a spacer, gargling and spitting out with water
  • Contraindicated in patients with recent nasal septal ulcers, surgery, or trauma
  • Use with caution in children as corticosteroids may affect growth
  • Use with caution in patients with heart failure, acute myocardial infarction (MI), diabetes mellitus (DM), GI diseases, hepatic/renal impairment, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, seizure disorder, thyroid disease
100 mcg/dose nasal spray  ≥6 years old: Same as adult   1 spray each nostril 12 hourly or 1-2 sprays each nostril 24 hourly 
Budesonide 32 mcg/dose nasal spray ≥6 years old: Same as adult   1-2 sprays each nostril 24 hourly
64 mcg/dose nasal spray  ≥6 years old: Same as adult
1-2 sprays each nostril 24 hourly 
Ciclesonide
 37 mcg/dose nasal aerosol  Seasonal rhinitis in ≥6 years old and perennial rhinitis in ≥12 years old: Same as adult
 1 spray each nostril 24 hourly
Max dose: 74 mcg/day 
50 mcg/dose nasal spray  Seasonal rhinitis in ≥6 years old and perennial rhinitis in ≥12 years old: Same as adult
 2 sprays each nostril 24 hourly
Max dose: 200 mcg/day 
Fluticasone 27.5 mcg/dose nasal spray   2-11 years old: 1-2 sprays each nostril 24 hourly
Maintenance dose: 1 spray each nostril/day
≥12 years old: Same as adult 		 2 sprays each nostril 24 hourly
Maintenance dose: 1 spray each nostril/day
50 mcg/dose nasal spray
 4-11 years old: 1-2 sprays each nostril 24 hourly
≥12 years old: Same as adult 		 2 sprays each nostril 24 hourly or 1 spray each nostril 12 hourly
Mometasone
 50 mcg/dose nasal spray  2-11 years old: 1 spray each nostril 24 hourly
≥12 years old: Same as adult 		 2 sprays each nostril 24 hourly Maintenance dose: 1 spray each nostril 24 hourly
Max dose: 4 sprays/nostril/day 
Triamcinolone 55 mcg/spray nasal spray 2-5 years old: 1 spray each nostril 24 hourly
6-12 years old: 1-2 spray each nostril 24 hourly
≥12 years old: Same as adult 		 2 sprays each nostril 24 hourly Maintenance dose: 1 spray each nostril 24 hourly
*Corticosteroids combined with antihistamines and/or decongestants are available. Please see the latest MIMS for specific formulations and prescribing information.

Corticosteroids (Systemic)


Drug Dosage Remarks
Methylprednisolone
 Individualize dose
Children: 0.11-2 mg/kg/day PO divided 6-24 hourly
Adults: 4-48 mg/day PO divided 6 hourly		 Adverse Reactions
  • GI effect (gastritis)
  • If administered long-term: Adrenocortical insufficiency, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, pain or weakness, increased susceptibility to infection, impaired wound healing, electrolyte imbalances, weight gain, DM, skin thinning leading to striae and easy bruising, cataracts, glaucoma
Special Instructions
  • Should be taken with food
  • Patients on long-term corticosteroids should receive preventive treatment for osteoporosis
Prednisolone Children: 0.14-2 mg/kg/day PO divided 6-8 hourly
Adults: 5-60 mg/day PO as single morning dose, in divided doses or on alternate days		 Adverse Reactions
  • GI effects (acute pancreatitis, peptic ulceration); CNS effects (mental and neurological disturbances, intracranial hypertension, headache, depression); Other effects (Cushing's syndrome amenorrhea, hyperhidrosis, skin thinning, ocular changes, aseptic necrosis of the bones, thromboembolytic complications, tiredness, muscle and joint aches)
Special Instructions
  • Should be taken with food
  • Patients on long-term corticosteroids should receive preventive treatment for osteoporosis

Cromones (Intranasal)


Drug Available Strength
 Dosage Remarks
Cromoglicic acid
(Na cromoglycate, Cromolyn Na, Disodium cromoglycate,
Na cromoglicate)		 2%, 4% nasal spray

1 spray each nostril 6 hourly

Adverse Reactions
  • Transient bronchospasm, cough and irritation of throat, unpleasant taste, nausea, headache
  • Rarely severe bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, angioedema, anaphylaxis
Special Instructions
  • Use with caution in patients with cardiac arrhythmia

Decongestants (Oral)*


Drug Dosage Remarks
Phenylephrine Children ≥12 years and adults: 10 mg PO 4 hourly as needed for up to 7 days
Max dose: 60 mg/day		 Adverse Reactions
  • CNS effects (headache, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, tremor); CV effects (tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmias)
Special Instructions
  • Contraindicated in patients with cardiac arrhythmias, angle-closure glaucoma
  • Use with caution in patients with hypertension, renal impairment, DM, hyperthyroidism, ischemic heart disease, advanced age, prostatic hyperplasia
Phenylpropanolamine Children ≥13 years and adults:
25-36 mg PO 4 hourly
Pseudoephedrine
Children 6-11 years: 30 mg PO 4-6 hourly
Children ≥12 years and adults: 60 mg PO 4-6 hourly
Extended release:
120 mg PO 12 hourly or 240 mg PO 24 hourly
Max dose: 240 mg/day
*Decongestants combined with corticosteroid or antihistamine are available. Please see the latest MIMS for specific formulations and prescribing information.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists


Drug Dosage Remarks
Montelukast1 Doses to be taken at bedtime
6 months -5 years old: 4 mg (granules) PO 24 hourly
2-5 years old: 4 mg PO 24 hourly
6-14 years old: 5 mg PO 24 hourly
Children ≥15 years old and adults:
10 mg PO 24 hourly		 Adverse Reactions
  • CNS effects (headache, dizziness, agitation, aggression, depression, insomnia); Musculoskeletal effects (arthralgia, myalgia); Hematologic effects (agranulocytosis, bleeding, systemic eosinophilia); Other effects (generalized pain, hypersensitivity reactions, fever, bruising, edema, GI upset)
Special Instructions
  • Montelukast: Monitor for neuropsychiatric symptoms, including changes in behavior and suicidal thoughts
  • Pranlukast: Monitor prothrombin time in patients with ongoing therapy with Warfarin and other anticoagulants
Pranlukast
Children: 3.5 mg/kg PO 12 hourly
Max dose: 10 mg/kg/day not exceeding 450 mg PO 24 hourly
Adults: : 225 mg PO 12 hourly
1Combinations with antihistamines are available. Please see the latest MIMS for specific formulations and prescribing information.

Nasal Decongestants & Other Nasal Preparations*


Drug Available Strength
Dosage		  
Remarks
Ephedrine
 0.5%, 1% nasal drops

Children >12 years old and adults: 1-2 drops each nostril up to 6 hourly
Max duration: 7 days

Adverse Reactions

  • Local effects: Transient irritation, sneezing, dryness of nasal mucosa; rebound congestion may occur if used frequently or >3-7 days
  • CV effects (increased blood pressure, cardiac irregularities); CNS effects (dizziness, drowsiness, headache); GI effect (nausea)
Special Instructions
  • Not recommended for extended use >3-7 days
  • Contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Use with caution in patients with asthma, hypertension, heart failure, coronary arterial disease, cerebral arteriosclerosis, DM, hyperthyroidism, nasal infection or injury, prostatic hypertrophy

 

 
0.5% nasal spray

6-<12 years old: 1-2 sprays up to 4 hourly
Max duration: 3 days
Children >12 years old and adults: 2-3 sprays each nostril up to 4 hourly
Max duration: 3 days

Naphazoline
 0.05% nasal drops, nasal spray
 Children ≥12 years old and adults: 1-2 drops or 1-2 sprays each nostril 6 hourly
Oxymetazoline



 0.01% nasal drops
 Neonates up to 4 weeks old: 1 drop each nostril 8-12 hourly
Infants ≤1 year old: 1-2 drops each nostril 8-12 hourly
0.025% nasal drops, nasal spray
 1-6 years old: 1-2 drops each nostril 8-12 hourly
2-5 years old: 2-3 sprays each nostril 10-12 hourly
Max duration: 3 days
0.05% nasal drops, nasal spray Children ≥6 years old and adults: 2-3 drops or 2-3 sprays each nostril 12 hourly or 1-2 sprays each nostril 8-12 hourly
0.1% nasal spray Children >12 years old and adults: 1 spray each nostril up to 8 hourly
Tetrahydrozoline
(Tetryzoline)


0.05% nasal drops, nasal spray 2-6 years old: 2-3 drops each nostril 4-6 hourly
0.05% nasal drops, nasal spray Children >6 years old and adults: 2-4 drops or 3-4 sprays each nostril 3-4 hourly
Xylometazoline

 0.05% nasal drops 6-11 years old: 1-2 drops each nostril 12-24 hourly
0.1% nasal drops, nasal spray Children ≥12 years old and adults: 2-3 drops each nostril 6-8 hourly or 1-2 sprays each nostril 8 hourly
Other Agents
Dexpanthenol 5% nasal spray, in combination with sea water

1-2 sprays each nostril as needed

Adverse Reactions

  • Allergic and hypersensitivity reactions to Dexpanthenol
  • Nasal powder: Earache
Special Instructions
  • Spray with head upright
  • Nasal powder: If the patient has recently had nasal or sinus surgery, do not blow the nose without checking with the physician
Sodium chloride




 In combination with sea water 1-3 sprays each nostril 8-12 hourly
0.65% nasal drops, nasal spray
 2-4 drops or 2-4 sprays each nostril 8 hourly or as needed
2.265 g nasal powder
 Dissolve 1 sachet to 250 mL water in squeeze bottle then irrigate each nostril 12 hourly in the morning and at bedtime
Topical Corticosteroid Combinations 
Azelastine/Fluticasone propionate  137 mcg/50 mcg nasal spray
125 mcg/50 mcg nasal spray 		 1 spray in each nostril 12 hourly

Adverse Reactions

  • Epistaxis, headache
  • Azelastine: Bitter taste, somnolence
  • Fluticasone propionate: Nasal burning/irritation/dryness

Special Instructions

  • Not to be used in patients with recent nasal ulcers, surgery and trauma
  • Use with caution in patients with renal and hepatic impairment, adrenal suppression, TB, untreated infection
  • Close monitoring in patients with a change in vision or with a history of increased IOP, glaucoma and/or cataracts
Azelastine/Mometasone furoate  140 mcg/50 mcg nasal spray  1 spray in each nostril 12 hourly or
2 sprays in each nostril 24 hourly 

Adverse Reactions

  • Epistaxis, headache
  • Azelastine: Bitter taste, nasopharyngitis, nasal discomfort, sinusitis, sneezing, fatigue, somnolence
  • Mometasone furoate: Pharyngitis, nasal burning/irritation/ulceration

Special Instructions

  • Contraindicated in patients with untreated localized infection involving nasal mucosa, recent nasal surgery or trauma
  • Azelastine: Use with caution in activities requiring mental alertness
  • Mometasone furoate: Use with caution in patients with immunosuppression, untreated fungal, bacterial, systemic viral infections, ocular herpes simplex
Olopatadine/Fluticasone propionate  665 mcg/25 mcg nasal spray  2 sprays each nostril 12 hourly 

Adverse Reactions

  • Respiratory effects (cough, postnasal drip, asthma, symptoms, throat irritation, pharyngitis); GI effects (bitter taste, dry mouth, nausea/vomiting); Ophthalmologic effects (conjunctivitis, blurred vision, glaucoma, increased IOP and cataracts); Other effects (headache, epistaxis, hypersensitivity reactions)

Special Instructions

  • Use with caution in patients with TB infection of the respiratory tract, untreated local or systemic fungal or bacterial infections, systemic viral or parasitic infections, ocular herpes simplex, epistaxis and nasal ulceration
Olopatadine/Mometasone furoate  600 mcg/25 mcg nasal spray  2 sprays each nostril 12 hourly 

Adverse Reactions

  • CNS effects (dysgeusia, headache, somnolence); Respiratory effects (epistaxis, nasal discomfort/dryness); Other effects (dry mouth, fatigue)

Special Instructions

  • Contraindicated in patients with untreated fungal, bacterial, or TB infections of the respiratory tract
  • Not to be used with untreated localized infection involving the nasal mucosa
  • Use with caution in patients with recent nasal surgery or trauma, adrenal insufficiency, immunocompromised state, increased IOP, visual disturbance, epistaxis and nasal ulceration; may unmask pre-existing allergic conditions
*Decongestants combined with corticosteroid or antihistamine are available. Please see the latest MIMS for specific formulations and prescribing information.

Other Antihistamines for Systemic Use


Drug Dosage Remarks
 Children Adults
Ketotifen ≥2 years old: 1 mg PO 12 hourly

1-2 mg PO 12 hourly

 Adverse Reactions
  • CNS effects (drowsiness, dizziness, CNS stimulation); GI effects (dry mouth, increased appetite, weight gain)
Special Instructions
  • Use with caution in patients who require mental alertness (eg driving, machine operation)

Other Drugs Acting on the Respiratory System


Drug Dosage Remarks
Bacterial lysate
(Lyophilized H influenzae, D pneumoniae,
K pneumoniae, K ozaenae, S aureus, S pyogenes, S viridans, N catarrhalis)
Acute treatment: 50 mg under the tongue 24 hourly for 10 days
Long-term treatment:
50 mg under the tongue 24 hourly for 10 consecutive days/month for 3 months		 Adverse Reactions
  • GI effects (nausea, diarrhea, upper abdominal pain, gastric upset); Other effects (skin itching, cutaneous reactions, urological problems)
Special Instructions
  • Contraindicated in patients with autoimmune disease, cardiopulmonary insufficiency, conditions with compromised immunity, active tuberculosis, rheumatic disease

Disclaimer

All dosage recommendations are for non-pregnant and non-breastfeeding women and non-elderly adults with normal renal and hepatic function unless otherwise stated. 
Not all products are available or approved for above use in all countries. 
Products listed in the Drug Summary are based on indications stated in the locally approved product monographs. 
Please refer to local product monographs in Related MIMS Drugs for country-specific prescribing information.

Related MIMS Drugs