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Carbinoxamine

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Carbinoxamine is an antihistamine medication used to treat symptoms of allergic reactions, including runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and skin rashes. It works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, reducing allergic responses throughout the body. This medication is available by prescription and is typically used in both children and adults.

Quick summary

Carbinoxamine is a prescription antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms by blocking histamine receptors.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
R06AA08
RxNorm
20220
Generic
Carbinoxamine
Class
atc-r06
Brands
Karbinal, Ryvent, Carbzah
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
suspension, solution, tablet
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
4mg every 12 hours
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
2mg every 12 hours
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
4mg every 12 hours
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity in adults
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use at higher than recommended doses can lead to cumulative anticholinergic effects and CNS depression
Immediate actions
Gastric lavage within 1-2 hours of ingestion, activated charcoal, supportive care, airway management, cardiac monitoring
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Treatment is supportive; no specific antidote exists)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

11 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose if needed

Key Recommendations

use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

monitor for uterine activity and fetal well-being

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose and avoid near delivery

Key Recommendations

avoid use close to delivery, may cause fetal distress

Monitor

monitor for neonatal respiratory depression and sedation

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

lactation

not applicable
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 24 hours after last dose

Monitor

monitor infant for sedation, irritability, and feeding difficulties

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pediatric_age

under 2 years
contraindicated
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

not applicable

Key Recommendations

contraindicated in children under 2 years due to risk of serious adverse reactions including respiratory depression

Monitor

not recommended

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pediatric_age

2 to 12 years
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

weight-based dosing, do not exceed recommended limits

Key Recommendations

use with caution, avoid in children with asthma or lower respiratory conditions

Monitor

monitor for sedation, anticholinergic effects, and respiratory changes

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

geriatric

over 65 years
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

start with lowest effective dose, consider dose reduction

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects, avoid operating machinery

Monitor

monitor for falls, confusion, urinary retention, and constipation

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

no major adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

use with caution, monitor renal function

Monitor

monitor renal function periodically

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

severe
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 25-50%

Key Recommendations

use with caution, consider extended dosing interval

Monitor

frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels if available

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 25-50%

Key Recommendations

use with caution, metabolized in liver

Monitor

monitor for increased sedation and anticholinergic effects

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

hepatic_impairment

severe
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid or significantly reduce dose

Key Recommendations

avoid if possible due to severely impaired metabolism

Monitor

close monitoring required if use is necessary

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1950s

First FDA approval date for Carbinoxamine formulations

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:First-generation antihistamine

ATC Code R06AA06 - Antihistamines, plain

usageFDA
2023

Common uses

Value:Allergic rhinitis, hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria

FDA-approved therapeutic indications

formulationFDA
2023

Available formulations

Value:Oral solution, tablets

Available dosage forms for Carbinoxamine (Karbinal, Ryvent, Carbzah)

Treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and mild allergic skin reactions such as urticaria and angioedema

Carbinoxamine is an H1 antihistamine that competitively blocks histamine receptors in the GI tract, blood vessels, and respiratory system, preventing allergic symptoms. It also has anticholinergic effects that help reduce secretions and sedative properties.

May cause drowsiness; avoid alcohol and operating machinery until known. Use caution in elderly patients and those with glaucoma, urinary retention, or thyroid disorders. Not recommended for newborns or premature infants. May interact with MAO inhibitors and other CNS depressants.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy