Dimegan D (Loratadine, Phenylephrine)

Active Ingredient: Loratadine, Phenylephrine
Dosage: 60 ml
Route of Administration: Oral
Dosage Form: Syrup
Quantity per package: 1
Availability: Out of stock

Why Dimegan D is Not Used in the USA?

In the USA, Dimegan D is not used likely due to FDA regulations regarding the approval of combination drugs. The FDA requires detailed evidence of the safety and efficacy of each active ingredient as well as their combination, which can be a barrier to approval without substantial supporting data. Furthermore, concerns about the side effects associated with Phenylephrine, especially related to blood pressure and heart rate, might also restrict its use in combination medications.

Equivalent Drugs Sold in the USA

Although Dimegan D is available as a syrup, the following drugs offered in various forms such as tablets and nasal sprays similarly aim to alleviate allergy symptoms by targeting histamine reactions and nasal inflammation, thus providing equivalent therapeutic effects in managing conditions like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, despite their different pharmaceutical forms.

So, for allergy symptoms, the following drugs are commonly used in the United States:

These drugs represent a range of treatment options available in the U.S. for allergy relief, from oral antihistamines to nasal sprays (both antihistamines and corticosteroids). Each type targets different aspects of allergic reactions, providing a comprehensive approach to managing symptoms.

What is Dimegan D?

Dimegan D is a combination drug prescribed for the treatment of allergy symptoms. It is released in the form of syrup. Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body, which can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages, helping to relieve nasal congestion. This combination makes Dimegan D effective for treating allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.

Indications

The drug is indicated in the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion and nasal eye pruritus.

In What Countries Is Dimegan D Popular?

Dimegan D is popular in countries where there is a high prevalence of allergies and perhaps less stringent regulatory approval processes compared to the USA. These countries might include regions in Latin America where combination drugs are commonly used for their perceived efficacy and convenience.

The drug is used in these regions primarily because of its effectiveness in quickly alleviating the broad spectrum of allergy symptoms, making it a popular choice for rapid relief. The availability and cultural acceptance of combination medications also play a role.

Dosage and administration

The syrop is taken orally. Children 6 to 12 years of age: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) every 12 hours. Adults and Children over 12 years of age: One 5 ml teaspoon every 12 hours.

The dosage of Dimegan D depends on the severity of the symptoms and the specific formulation. It’s always recommended to follow the dosage prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components of the formula;
Treatment with MAO inhibitors;
Narrow-angle glaucoma;
Urinary retention;
Severe hypertension;
Severe coronary artery disease and hyperthyroidism;
Peptic ulcer;
Stenosonant;
Diabetes mellitus.

Side effects

When used at therapeutic doses, Dimegan D is well tolerated, however, some patients may experience severe hypertension, headache, vomiting and reflex bradycardia, fatigue, headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, gastritis, rash, insomnia and rarely alopecia, anaphylaxis or liver disorders with the use of loratadine. Elderly patients are more susceptible to the hypertensive and bradycardial effects of phenylephrine, so they may have reduced cardiac output as a result of sinus bradycardia, increasing the risk of possible heart failure.

Overdose

In case of overdose, general symptomatic treatment should be started immediately. Patients who took excessive doses of Dimegan D experienced tachycardia, headache and drowsiness. Hemodialysis is not effective.

Interaction

Concomitant use with ketoconazole, erythromycin and cimetidine may cause an increase in loratadine concentrations. Beta-blockers can increase the vasoconstrictor effects of phenylephrine. MAO inhibitors can prolong and intensify the pressor effects of phenylephrine as well as oxytocin.