Can Chlorpheniramine Be Taken For A Bee Sting?

Posted on Wed, 16 Jul 2014

Question: Several years ago, knowing that I could not take meds with red XXXXXXX I took Benadryl XXXXXXX free for a mosquito bite that swelled more than typical. My skin swelled and turned almost purple, which I believe to be an allergic reaction to the antihistamine. Might I have the same reaction if taking chlorpheniramine instead of a product with diphenhydramine.
I was just stung by a bee and don't know how I should treat the situation.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Chlorphenramine tablet alone is free of Red 40

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query; I willl try my best to help you with this answer.

Red40 appears in a number of cold rememdies. This is commonly used in liquid medications with flavouring agents such as cherry, strawberry or "berry". It may also be used as a colorant in few tablets and capsules.

Yes, chlorpheniramine maleate tablet can be safely used, it does not contain Red XXXXXXX 40. But, you may find Red 40 in syrup containing chlorpheniramine and a decongestant. Hence, the safest thing to do is to avoid syrups.

Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Thank you for your reply.

However, as stated in my initial question, I am aware of problems with red XXXXXXX That is why I explained that I took XXXXXXX FREE/Clear Bendadryl, which does not have red XXXXXXX 40 in the formula. It is the XXXXXXX free antihistamine that I had a reaction to in the past, therefore, believing that it may be the diphenhydramine in Benadryl that I am allergic to and not the Red XXXXXXX 40.

When stung by the bee today, I purchased a store brand product in tablet form which is free of red XXXXXXX which has the active ingredient chlorpheniramine instead of diphenhydramine which is in the XXXXXXX FREE Benadryl.
So my question is actually regarding allergic reactions between chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine, not the red XXXXXXX If indeed I had a reaction from taking a product with diphenhydramine, would I have an adverse reaction from taking a product with chlorpheniramine?

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You can take chlorpheniramine confidently...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back. My sincere apologies for misinterpreting the first part of the query.

You can confidently take chlorpheniramine, because, even though it belongs to H1 type of antihistamine, similar to that of diphenhydramine, it's altogether a different compound compared to the latter.

Chlorpheniramine is an Alkylamine whereas Diphenhydramine is an Ethanolamine compound. Hence, there may not be reaction to chlorpheniramine even though you had reaction to diphenhydramine before.

Hope this clarifies your doubt.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (26 minutes later)

Thank you!!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wish you good health

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

Wish you good health

Regards

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T