Tripelennamine
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Tripelennamine (INN, also known as pyribenzamine) is a first generation pyridine antipruritic and antihistamine in the ethylenediamine class. It can be used in the treatment of asthma, hay fever, rhinitus and urticaria but is now less common as it has been replaced by newer antihistamines. This drug is sold in 50 mg tablets, which are usually green in colour. Tripellenamine is marketed by Novartis under the trade name Pyribenzamine.
Tripelennamine was first synthesized by Carl Djerassi, working in the laboratory of Charles Huttrer at Ciba, shortly after Djerassi got his BS. It was his first patent.
Side effects
Side effects
Tripelennamine is mildly sedating. Other side effects can include gastrointestinal irritation, dry mouth, nausea, and dizziness.
Recreational use
Recreational use
Tripelennamine is sometimes abused recreationally in combination with the opiate pentazocine (“T’s & Blues”), morphine (“Blue Velvet”) and narcotic cough syrups. It is dangerous to combine an opiate with a sedating antihistamine via injection, although the use of antihistamines (usually by mouth) to reduce opioid requirements for pain relief is a well-known practice, which is done under medical supervision with tripelennamine, as well as hydroxyzine, cyclizine, promethazine, diphenhydramine, phenindamine, and cyproheptadine.
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH