Allergyl Syrup
Chlorpheniramine Maleate 2 mg/5 mL
Arab Drug Company (ADCO), Egypt
1. Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational and pharmaceutical-information purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Product information may vary by formulation, market, manufacturer, regulatory status, and date of revision. Always check the current package leaflet and applicable official regulatory or manufacturer information before making medication-related decisions.
We do not guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of information regarding medications or medical products, and official sources should be verified before making any decisions. Readers are responsible for independently verifying the information before relying on it.
The information below refers specifically to Allergyl Syrup containing chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg/5 mL and should not automatically be applied to other Allergyl dosage forms or to other chlorpheniramine-containing products.
2. Summary
Allergyl Syrup is an oral syrup containing chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg/5 mL, manufactured by Arab Drug Company (ADCO), Egypt. Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation H₁-antihistamine used for symptomatic relief of allergic conditions such as allergic/vasomotor rhinitis, urticaria, angioedema, food or drug-related allergic reactions, insect bites, and itching associated with chickenpox.
Because chlorpheniramine can cause sedation and anticholinergic effects, particular care is required in children, older adults, patients with relevant medical conditions, and people using other sedating medicines or alcohol.
3. Brand Name
Allergyl Syrup
The current ADCO product page identifies the product as Allergyl Syrup and gives the generic name as chlorpheniramine maleate at a concentration of 2 mg/5 mL.
4. Category
- Therapeutic category: Antihistamine / antiallergic
- Pharmacologic class: First-generation H₁-antihistamine
- Chemical class: Alkylamine derivative
- ATC classification: R06AB04 according to the Egyptian National Drug Formulary 2026.
5. Active Ingredient
Chlorpheniramine maleate
Strength: 2 mg per 5 mL of syrup.
6. Pharmaceutical Form & Strength
Pharmaceutical form: Oral syrup
Strength: Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg/5 mL
The supplied product information also describes the syrup as containing sucrose, glycerin, sorbitol solution, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, citric acid anhydrous, Ponceau red colour, and tutti-frutti flavour.
7. Manufacturer & Marketing Authorization Holder
Manufacturer: Arab Drug Company (ADCO), Cairo, Egypt. The supplied product information identifies ADCO as the producer, and ADCO's current website lists Allergyl Syrup as a chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg/5 mL product.
Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH): The retrieved current sources do not independently confirm a separate MAH designation for this specific product. Therefore, no separate MAH is asserted here.
8. Mechanism of Action
Chlorpheniramine is a potent H₁-histamine receptor antagonist. It competitively and reversibly blocks histamine at H₁ receptors, thereby reducing histamine-mediated effects such as increased capillary permeability, oedema, smooth-muscle effects, and other manifestations of hypersensitivity reactions. It also possesses anticholinergic activity, which contributes to some of its adverse effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and sedation.
9. Spectrum of Activity
Chlorpheniramine does not have an antimicrobial spectrum and should not be described as an antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal medicine.
Its therapeutic activity is directed toward histamine-mediated allergic symptoms, including symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, urticaria, angioedema, food or drug reactions, insect bites, and certain pruritic conditions.
10. Pharmacokinetics
Following oral administration, chlorpheniramine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
According to the available SmPC information:
- Effects begin within approximately 30 minutes.
- Maximum effects occur within approximately 1–2 hours.
- Clinical effects last approximately 4–6 hours.
- The estimated plasma half-life is approximately 12–15 hours.
- Chlorpheniramine is metabolised to monodesmethyl and didesmethyl derivatives.
- Approximately 22% of an oral dose is excreted unchanged in urine.
The presence of a relatively long plasma half-life does not mean that the product should be taken more frequently than the recommended dosing schedule.
11. Indications
Allergyl Syrup may be used for the symptomatic control of allergic conditions responsive to antihistamines, including:
- Hay fever / allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
- Urticaria
- Angioneurotic oedema
- Food allergy
- Drug and serum reactions
- Insect bites
- Symptomatic relief of itching associated with chickenpox.
It is intended for symptomatic relief and does not treat the underlying cause of every condition producing these symptoms.
12. Administration
Route: Oral administration.
The Egyptian National Drug Formulary 2026 gives the following oral dosage regimen for chlorpheniramine:
Adults and children ≥12 years
10 mL (4 mg) every 4–6 hours
Maximum: 24 mg in 24 hours, equivalent to 60 mL/day.
Children 6 to <12 years
5 mL (2 mg) every 4–6 hours
Maximum: 12 mg in 24 hours, equivalent to 30 mL/day.
Children 2–6 years
2.5 mL (1 mg) every 4–6 hours
Maximum: 6 mg in 24 hours, equivalent to 15 mL/day.
Children below 2 years
Not recommended according to the Egyptian National Drug Formulary 2026.
Do not exceed the recommended dose or dosing frequency. A minimum interval of 4 hours between doses should be maintained.
Older adults are more susceptible to neurological and anticholinergic adverse effects; a lower total daily dose may be considered clinically.
13. Method of Preparation
Allergyl Syrup is a ready-to-use oral syrup. No reconstitution procedure is specified in the supplied product information or in the current ADCO product listing.
The prescribed volume should be measured carefully using an appropriate measuring device. The product should be administered orally and the stated dose and dosing interval should not be exceeded.
14. Contraindications
Allergyl Syrup is contraindicated in patients with:
- Hypersensitivity to chlorpheniramine, other antihistamines, or any component of the formulation.
- Current or recent treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the preceding 14 days, because MAOIs can intensify chlorpheniramine's anticholinergic effects.
15. Warnings & Precautions
Use chlorpheniramine with caution in patients with:
- Epilepsy
- Raised intra-ocular pressure or glaucoma
- Prostatic hypertrophy
- Severe hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Bronchitis
- Bronchiectasis
- Asthma
- Hepatic impairment
- Renal impairment.
Children and older adults are more susceptible to neurological and anticholinergic effects. Children may experience paradoxical excitation, including restlessness or nervousness, while confusion may be particularly problematic in older adults.
Chlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, impaired attention, and psychomotor impairment. Patients should exercise caution with driving or operating machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.
Alcohol may increase the sedative effects and should generally be avoided during treatment.
Other antihistamine-containing medicines, including some cough-and-cold products, should not be combined routinely with chlorpheniramine because this may increase adverse effects.
The supplied Allergyl information states that the syrup contains sugar; this should be considered in patients with diabetes mellitus. Long-term exposure to sugary preparations may increase the risk of dental caries. Patients with intolerance to certain sugars should seek professional advice before use.
The formulation also contains methyl and propyl parabens, which can produce allergic reactions, including delayed reactions, in susceptible individuals. This precaution is consistent with current chlorphenamine syrup product information containing these excipients.
16. Drug Interactions
Clinically relevant interactions include:
- MAOIs: may markedly intensify anticholinergic effects; concomitant use is contraindicated, including use within 14 days after MAOI treatment.
- Hypnotics and anxiolytics: may increase sedation and psychomotor impairment.
- Alcohol: may increase drowsiness and other CNS-depressant effects.
- Phenytoin: chlorpheniramine may inhibit phenytoin metabolism and increase the risk of phenytoin toxicity.
- Other antihistamines and sedating cough-and-cold products: may increase the risk of excessive sedation and anticholinergic adverse effects.
Patients using regular medicines should check for interactions with a pharmacist or physician before combining them with chlorpheniramine.
17. Side Effects
Adverse effects associated with chlorpheniramine include:
Common or particularly recognized effects
- Sedation or somnolence
- Drowsiness
- Disturbance in attention
- Abnormal coordination
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue.
Other reported effects
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dyspepsia
- Anorexia
- Urinary retention
- Palpitations
- Tachycardia
- Arrhythmias
- Hypotension
- Hepatitis, including jaundice
- Thickening of bronchial secretions
- Tinnitus
- Muscle twitching or weakness
- Abnormal coordination
- Confusion
- Excitation or irritability
- Nightmares
- Depression
- Rash, urticaria, photosensitivity, or exfoliative dermatitis
- Haemolytic anaemia and other blood dyscrasias
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and anaphylactic reactions
- Chest tightness.
Children and older adults may be particularly susceptible to paradoxical excitation or confusion.
18. Use in Special Populations
Pregnancy
Adequate human pregnancy safety data are limited. Chlorpheniramine should generally be used during pregnancy only when considered essential by a physician. Use during the third trimester may result in reactions in the newborn or premature neonate.
Breastfeeding
Chlorpheniramine may be secreted into breast milk and may inhibit lactation. Use during breastfeeding should therefore be considered only when clinically necessary and after professional assessment.
Children
The Egyptian National Drug Formulary 2026 does not recommend oral chlorpheniramine for children below 2 years. Appropriate age-based dosing should be followed for children aged 2 years and above.
Older adults
Older adults are more susceptible to anticholinergic and neurological adverse effects. A lower total daily dose may be appropriate in some patients.
Renal impairment
Patients with renal impairment should seek medical advice before use because reduced clearance may increase drug exposure and adverse effects.
Hepatic impairment
Patients with hepatic impairment should seek medical advice before use and may require particular caution because altered metabolism can increase exposure to the medicine.
19. Storage Conditions
According to the supplied Allergyl product information:
- Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C.
- Protect from light.
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the package.
- The stated shelf life is 3 years from the production date.
These storage details are retained from the supplied product information because the current ADCO webpage confirms the product and strength but does not publish a full storage specification.
20. Additional Sections
Overdose
Overdose with chlorpheniramine can produce serious toxicity, including marked sedation or paradoxical CNS stimulation, toxic psychosis, seizures or convulsions, apnoea, anticholinergic effects, dystonic reactions, arrhythmias, cardiovascular collapse, and other potentially life-threatening effects.
Management is primarily symptomatic and supportive, with attention to cardiac, respiratory, renal, hepatic, fluid, and electrolyte status. For a recent oral overdose, activated charcoal may be considered when clinically appropriate and when there are no contraindications, particularly when treatment is initiated soon after ingestion. Hypotension and arrhythmias should be appropriately managed, and IV diazepam may be used for CNS convulsions when clinically indicated.
The older supplied text recommends gastric lavage or induced emesis with syrup of ipecac. That instruction has not been retained in this updated version because current product information instead emphasizes supportive management and, where appropriate, activated charcoal.
Pharmaceutical incompatibility
No known incompatibilities are stated in the supplied product information.
Package
The supplied Allergyl leaflet states that the product is supplied as 120 mL syrup in a glass bottle contained in a carton box.
Duration of self-use
One current chlorphenamine syrup SmPC advises against continuous use for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor.
21. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Allergyl Syrup used for?
It is used for symptomatic relief of allergic conditions responsive to antihistamines, including allergic rhinitis, urticaria, angioedema, food or drug reactions, insect bites, and certain itching conditions.
Does Allergyl cause drowsiness?
Yes. Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine and can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired attention, blurred vision, and psychomotor impairment.
What is the strength of Allergyl Syrup?
Each 5 mL contains 2 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate.
Can children take Allergyl Syrup?
The Egyptian National Drug Formulary 2026 provides oral dosing for children from 2 years of age and does not recommend oral chlorpheniramine below 2 years.
Can Allergyl be taken with alcohol?
Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of chlorpheniramine, so concurrent use should be avoided.
Can Allergyl be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be based on a professional benefit-risk assessment because safety information is limited and chlorpheniramine may affect lactation and may enter breast milk.
Is Allergyl an antibiotic?
No. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine and does not treat bacterial infections.
22. References
- Egyptian Drug Authority — Egyptian National Drug Formulary, Respiratory Medicines, Version 1.0/2026. The formulary specifies chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg/5 mL syrup, indications, age-based oral dosing, maximum daily doses, and the recommendation against oral use below 2 years.
- Arab Drug Company (ADCO) — Allergyl Syrup, current product page. Confirms Allergyl Syrup, chlorpheniramine maleate, 2 mg/5 mL, syrup dosage form.
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) — Piriton Syrup SmPC. Used to cross-check pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, warnings, interactions, pregnancy/lactation, adverse effects, overdose management, and pharmaceutical particulars. Current page displays a revision dated April 2023.
- Supplied Allergyl product information / leaflet text. Used to preserve product-specific information such as the excipient list, storage statement, shelf life, and stated 120 mL package. 5. Current Egyptian market listings. Current Egyptian pharmacy/directories continue to list Allergyl Syrup 2 mg/5 mL, Allergyl 4 mg tablets, and Allergyl 2% topical cream. However, the current ADCO official product pages retrieved directly confirm the syrup and 4 mg tablet, while the topical cream was confirmed through current third-party Egyptian listings rather than a current ADCO product page.