alimemazine tartrate at a glance
Medicine class
Sedating phenothiazine antihistamine
Licensed roles
Relief of urticaria and itching; selected products also support pre-anaesthetic sedation in young children
Drowsiness
Sleepiness can impair driving, coordination and alertness
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol and alcohol-containing medicines because sedation and breathing problems may increase
Sunlight
It can increase sensitivity to sunlight; avoid direct sun exposure during treatment
What is alimemazine tartrate used for?
The precise licence varies between products, so check the individual product information.
Symptomatic relief of urticaria and pruritus; some products specify second-line treatment.
Pre-medication sedation before general anaesthesia in young children. Eligible ages and suitable formulations differ by product.
Insomnia and behavioural sleep problems are not licensed indications in the selected product information.
How does alimemazine tartrate work?
Alimemazine blocks histamine involved in allergic itching and wheals. It also acts in the central nervous system, causing substantial sedation. Its phenothiazine properties can also cause antimuscarinic, blood-pressure and movement-related adverse effects.
alimemazine tartrate preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 7.5 mg/5 mL, 10 mg/5 mL, 30 mg/5 mL
Syrup
Route: Oral
Strengths: 7.5 mg/5 mL, 30 mg/5 mL
How to take alimemazine tartrate
Take by mouth exactly as prescribed. For liquid products, use the supplied oral syringe or measuring device rather than a household spoon, and check the product strength carefully. Avoid getting liquid on the skin; wash off accidental contact.
Check the bottle label and leaflet because concentrations and excipients differ.
Rinse the oral syringe after use and close the bottle securely.
Avoid alcohol and direct sunlight during treatment.
alimemazine tartrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness or headache
- Dry mouth or constipation
- Blocked nose
- Agitation or difficulty sleeping
- Skin rash or increased sensitivity to sunlight
Get urgent medical advice
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Severe allergic reaction or bronchospasm
- Seizure or uncontrolled movements
- Marked muscle stiffness, fever, confusion and autonomic disturbance
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting or chest symptoms
- Jaundice
- Fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers or recurrent infection suggesting a blood disorder
- Severe urinary retention
alimemazine tartrate in pregnancy
Evidence specifically supporting alimemazine in pregnancy is limited. Selected product information advises avoiding it unless a prescriber considers it essential. Use near delivery may affect labour or cause neonatal lethargy, tremor or paradoxical excitability. Better-studied antihistamines may be preferred when clinically appropriate.
alimemazine tartrate while breastfeeding
Selected product information advises suspending or discontinuing breastfeeding during treatment because phenothiazines may enter milk. Independent guidance generally prefers non-sedating antihistamines, or chlorphenamine when a sedating antihistamine is necessary, for a full-term healthy infant.
alimemazine tartrate interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy and herbal products before use. Important interactions include:
Alcohol, opioids, hypnotics, anxiolytics and other sedatives
Sedation and respiratory depression can be intensified.
Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Sedative and antimuscarinic effects may increase, with possible respiratory depression.
Antimuscarinic medicines
Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision and overheating may become more likely.
Common questions about alimemazine tartrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is alimemazine tartrate used for?
Selected products are licensed for urticaria and itching, and for pre-anaesthetic sedation in young children. The precise indication and eligible age depend on the product.
Is alimemazine tartrate an antihistamine?
Yes. It is a sedating phenothiazine antihistamine that blocks histamine and also acts centrally.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.