Avil Injection

AVIL Injection by SANOFI INDIA LTD

AVIL Injection is a fast-acting antihistamine medication manufactured by Sanofi India Ltd., primarily used to manage various allergic reactions.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: AVIL Injection
  • Common Name: Pheniramine Maleate Injection

• Composition:

  • Each ml of AVIL Injection contains Pheniramine Maleate IP 22.75 mg.
  • The 10ml vial also contains Methyl-Parahydroxybenzoate IP (0.135%w/v) and Propyl-Parahydroxybenzoate IP (0.015%w/v) as preservatives, with Water for Injection q.s.

• Uses: AVIL Injection is prescribed for the rapid relief and treatment of various allergic conditions, including:

  • Hay fever (allergic rhinitis with watery eyes and runny nose)
  • Drug rashes and allergic conjunctivitis
  • Food allergy
  • Angioneurotic oedema and serum sickness
  • Itching skin conditions such as neurodermatitis, eczema, lichen planus, acute and chronic urticaria (hives), and pruritus (itching) due to various causes like insect bites/stings, jaundice, or diabetes
  • Conditions of the respiratory tract involving increased secretions (e.g., vasomotor rhinitis, acute rhinitis)
  • Prevention and treatment of motion sickness
  • Nausea, vomiting, and vertigo associated with Meniere's disease and other labyrinthine disturbances
  • Anaphylactic reactions and shock (as an adjunctive treatment, not a substitute for epinephrine)

• Dosage and Administration: AVIL Injection is administered via intramuscular (IM) or slow intravenous (IV) injection. The dosage should be adjusted individually by a healthcare professional.

  • Adults and Young people aged 12 years or over: Typically 1-2 ml (22.75 mg - 45.5 mg) once or twice a day. For IV administration, it should be injected slowly over 5 minutes.
  • Children up to 12 years old: The injection must only be given intramuscularly. Pediatric dosing is around 1-2 mg/kg per dose, with a maximum dose of 50 mg. A daily dose of 3 mg active substance per kg body weight should not be exceeded, especially in small children.
  • Doses may be repeated at 12-hourly intervals if necessary until acute symptoms subside.
  • For travel sickness, the dose should be taken at least 30 minutes before travelling.
  • Do not self-administer.

• Side Effects: Common side effects include:

  • Drowsiness, dizziness, sedation
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Stinging or burning sensation at the injection site
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Restlessness, weakness

  Serious, though less common, side effects can include:

  • Confusion, hallucinations
  • Irregular heartbeat (tachycardia)
  • Urinary retention or difficulty urinating
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Precautions:

  • Drowsiness: AVIL Injection can cause significant drowsiness and impair alertness. Patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery during treatment.
  • Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can intensify drowsiness and other central nervous system depressant effects.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally not recommended unless strictly indicated and prescribed by a doctor, as information regarding its use is limited.
  • Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with glaucoma (especially narrow-angle glaucoma), asthma, severe cardiovascular disease, prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate gland), gastric ulcers, thyroid problems, kidney or liver impairment. Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with severe hepatic disease.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, including anti-depressants (especially MAO inhibitors), anti-sickness medicines (metoclopramide), heart medicines (digoxin), antibiotics (chloramphenicol), high cholesterol-lowering medicines (cholestyramine), sedatives, hypnotics, tranquilizers, and anticholinergic drugs, as interactions can occur.
  • Contraindications: Not recommended for use in newborn and premature infants, patients with symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy, or those receiving MAO-inhibitor therapy.
  • Masking Symptoms: The anti-emetic effect of pheniramine may mask the signs of other conditions.

• Storage: Store AVIL Injection in its original packaging in a cool and dry place, protected from light, at a temperature below 25°C or between 10°C to 25°C, or below 30°C, depending on specific packaging instructions. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiry date. Any unused contents after opening should be discarded immediately.

Avil Injection, manufactured by Sanofi India Ltd., is an antihistamine primarily used to treat various allergic reactions. Its active ingredient is pheniramine maleate.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Avil Injection:

What is Avil Injection used for?

Avil Injection is used to treat a range of allergic conditions, including hay fever, allergic rhinitis (runny nose, sneezing), urticaria (hives), angioedema (swelling), drug rashes, serum sickness, allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, watery eyes), and food allergies. It is also used to manage itching skin conditions of various origins, as well as to prevent and treat motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo caused by conditions like Meniere's disease.

How does Avil Injection work?

Avil Injection contains pheniramine maleate, which is a first-generation antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical messenger naturally released by the body during an allergic reaction. By blocking histamine receptors, it helps to reduce symptoms such as itching, swelling, sneezing, and runny nose.

What is the usual dosage for Avil Injection?

The dosage of Avil Injection is adjusted individually based on the patient's age, weight, medical history, and the condition being treated. For adults and young people aged 12 years or over, the typical dose is 1-2 ml (22.75 mg/ml or 45.5 mg/2ml) administered once or twice daily, either intramuscularly or slowly intravenously. For children up to 12 years old, the injection must be given intramuscularly, with specific dosages depending on age and body weight. The maximum dose of 3 mg/kg/day should not be exceeded. Avil Injection should always be administered by a healthcare professional.

What are the possible side effects of Avil Injection?

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, constipation, difficulty urinating, headache, and skin rash or hives. Injection site reactions such as stinging or burning can also occur. Drowsiness is a significant side effect, and it's important to be cautious when driving or operating machinery.

Is Avil Injection safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Avil Injection should not be used during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider, and only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. It is unknown whether Avil Injection is excreted in human breast milk, and it is generally not recommended for use during breastfeeding unless deemed essential by a doctor, who will weigh the pros and cons for the baby.

Can Avil Injection be taken with other medications?

Avil Injection can interact with certain medications, potentially enhancing their effects or increasing the risk of side effects. It can increase the sedative effects of sedatives, hypnotics, and alcohol, leading to increased drowsiness and impaired coordination. Combining it with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. It can also increase side effects like dry mouth and constipation when taken with anticholinergic drugs. Always inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken with Avil Injection?

Patients should avoid alcohol consumption while using Avil Injection due to increased drowsiness and other central nervous system effects. It may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so activities requiring high mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, should be avoided. Caution is advised in patients with conditions such as glaucoma, asthma, severe cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney disease, or prostatic enlargement. Avil Injection is not recommended for newborn children and premature infants. Do not self-administer; it should only be given by a healthcare professional.

What happens if a dose is missed?

Since Avil Injection is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low. However, if you have missed an appointment for the injection, inform your doctor or nurse immediately to reschedule.

How should Avil Injection be stored?

Avil Injection should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight and out of the reach of children. It should not be used after the expiry date. Once opened, any unused contents should be discarded. Storage typically involves temperatures between 10°C to 25°C or below 30°C.