Haymine

How does it work?

Haymine sustained release tablets contain two active ingredients, chlorphenamine (previously spelt chlorpheniramine in the UK) and ephedrine. Chlorphenamine is a type of medicine called a sedating antihistamine and ephedrine is a type of medicine called a decongestant.

Chlorphenamine controls allergies by blocking the action of histamine. Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defence mechanisms. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen, eg flower pollen), the mast cells stimulated by the allergen release their stores of histamine.

The released histamine then binds to its receptors (H-1 receptors), causing a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms. It causes an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy, and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response. All this results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In allergic rhinitis (hayfever, pet and dust allergies and so on) histamine causes inflammation of the nose, eyes, skin or airways and results in itchy watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.

Chlorphenamine controls the allergy by blocking histamine H1 receptors. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells, but prevents it binding to its receptors. This in turn prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area, and provides relief from the typical symptoms of hayfever and other nasal allergies.

Chlorphenamine is called a sedating antihistamine because it enters the brain in significant quantities and causes drowsiness.

Ephedrine is a decongestant that works by stimulating receptors on the blood vessels in the lining of the nose and sinuses. These receptors are known as alpha receptors. When stimulated by ephedrine they cause the blood vessels to narrow. This decreases the amount of fluid that can travel through these blood vessels and means that less fluid is pushed out into the linings of the nose and sinuses. This reduces the production of mucous, and relieves a blocked nose (nasal congestion) caused by the allergic reaction.

Ephedrine also has mild stimulant properties and so may counteract some of the drowsiness caused by the chlorphenamine.

What is it used for?

Hayfever

Hayfever that occurs throughout the year due to allergies, eg pets, dust mites

Allergic, itchy skin rash

Warning!

Haymine tablets are sustained release tablets. They are designed to release the medicine slowly and continuously over a few hours to help provide steady blood levels of the medicine throughout the day. These tablets must be swallowed whole and not broken, chewed or crushed to avoid damaging the sustained release action.

This medicine may cause drowsiness, blurred vision or dizziness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

If you are due to have any skin prick tests to diagnose allergies you should stop taking your antihistamines at least 48 hours before the tests. This is because antihistamines can prevent or lessen the skin reactions that indicate an allergy, and so can make the test results unreliable.

If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Asthma

Enlarged prostate gland

Epilepsy

Glaucoma

Liver disease

Cardiovascular disease.

Not to be used in

Children under 12 years of age

High blood pressure

Overactive thyroid gland

Heart attack

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

People who have taken a type of medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), eg antidepressants such as phenelzine, in the last 14 days.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Drowsiness

Dizziness

Muscle weakness

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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