Avil Side Effects

Avil is an antihistamine medication used to relieve allergy symptoms. Like most medications, Avil can cause side effects, which can range from common and less common (more severe).

Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness: Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of Avil. It can impair your ability to concentrate and drive safely. Avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until you know how the medication affects you.
• Dry Mouth: Avil can cause a dry mouth or throat. Staying hydrated and using sugarless gum or lozenges may help alleviate this symptom.
• Blurred Vision: Avil can affect vision and cause blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
• Constipation: Some individuals may experience constipation while taking Avil.
• Urinary Retention: It is less common but can happen in some cases, especially in individuals with an enlarged prostate.

Less Common and Potentially Serious Side Effects

• Dizziness or Fainting: Severe dizziness or fainting can occur, particularly when you stand up quickly. This is known as orthostatic hypotension.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions to Avil can occur and may manifest as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Irregular Heartbeat: In rare instances, Avil may affect heart rhythm, leading to palpitations or irregular heartbeats.
• Nervous System Effects: Some individuals may experience restlessness, anxiety, or insomnia, particularly if Avil is taken in higher than recommended doses.
• Gastrointestinal Distress: In rare cases, Avil may cause nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
• Blood Disorders: Although very uncommon, there have been rare reports of blood disorders associated with Avil use.

Avil is one of the leading brands of Pheniramine, manufactured and marketed by Sanofi Aventis Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Pakistan.

Presently, Avil is available in Tablet, Syrup, and Injection Forms

Avil Tablets : 25mg, and 50mg strengths

Avil Syrup : 15mg/5ml strength

Avil Injection : 22.7mg/ml strength

1. Sedatives and Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: Combining Avil with other sedating medications, such as benzodiazepines, opioids, or sleep aids, can lead to additive CNS depressant effects, including increased drowsiness and impaired cognitive function.
2. Alcohol: Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of Avil, increasing the risk of dizziness and drowsiness. It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Avil.
3. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Combining Avil with MAOIs can lead to a hypertensive crisis and a severe increase in blood pressure. MAOIs are a class of antidepressants, and there should be a significant time gap between using MAOIs and taking Avil.
4. Anticholinergic Medications: Combining Avil with other medications that have anticholinergic properties, such as certain antispasmodics or some medications for overactive bladder, can lead to additive anticholinergic effects, increasing the risk of dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.
5. CNS Stimulants: Stimulant medications, like amphetamines and some attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs, may counteract the sedative effects of Avil.
6. MAO-B Inhibitors: Some medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease, such as selegiline, are selective MAO-B inhibitors. Although the interaction is less pronounced than with non-selective MAOIs, caution is advised when combining these medications with Avil.
7. Antihypertensive Medications: Combining Avil with certain antihypertensive drugs may decrease blood pressure and increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
8. Other Antihistamines: Combining Avil with other antihistamines can increase the risk of side effects and is generally not recommended.