Beware of Carbinoxamine-Containing Antihistamines

Filed in archive Allergy Medications on June 13, 2006

Did you know that some of the prescription antihistamines out in the market today have never been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration? They may have already been there for years, and yet, have never been formally reviewed by the authorities, and therefore who knows if they really are safe and effective?

Unapproved carbinoxamine products are often labeled for cough and cold treatment in children, the FDA said in a statement on its Web site. But the compound's safety has never been studied in young children, and the agency said there is concern that it could be harmful.

Some of the medications for which the FDA is now forcing its manufacturers to seek approval are the carbinoxamine-containing antihistamines Histex, Rondec and Cardec. It may be that your doctor prescibed them to you, but it doesn't mean they've passed regulatory review.

Read the Washington Post article for more details.