use of chlorphenamine in anaphylactic shock
Last reviewed 01/2018
An antihistamine (chlorphenamine) should be administered in anaphylaxis.
They are a second line treatment for an anaphylactic reaction.Antihistamines help to overcome the histamine-mediated vasodilation
and bronchoconstriction.
Caution is needed to avoid "drug induced" hypotension: administer either by slow intravenous injection or by intramuscular injection. Its use may be helpful and is unlikely to be harmful. The dose for children and adults is determined by age as follows:
- >12 years and adults: 10 mg IM or IV slowly
- >6 – 12 years: 5 mg IM or IV slowly
- >6 months – 6 years: 2.5 mg IM or IV slowly
- <6 months: 250 micrograms/kg IM or IV slowly
Reference: