Dexchlorpheniramine, the d-isomer of the racemic compound chlorpheniramine, is two times more active than chlorpheniramine. Dexchlorpheniramine does not prevent the release of histamine, but rather, competes with free histamine for binding at the H1-receptor sites, and competitively antagonizes the effects of histamine on H1-receptors in the GI tract, uterus, large blood vessels, and bronchial muscle. Blockade of H1-receptors also suppresses the formation of oedema, flare, and pruritus that result from histaminic activity. Since dexchlorpheniramine binds to central and peripheral H1-receptors, sedative effects are likely to occur. H1-antagonists are structurally similar to anticholinergic agents and therefore possess the potential to exhibit anticholinergic properties of varying degrees. They also have antipruritic effects. Dexchlorpheniramine has high antihistaminic activity, moderate anticholinergic effects and minimal sedative effects. The drug does not possess antiemetic properties.

Pheniramine is an antihistamine used to treat allergic conditions such as hay fever or urticaria. It is generally sold in combination with other medications, rather than as a stand-alone drug. Allergies are caused by an excessive type 1 hypersensitivity response of the body to allergens, mediated by inappropriate histamine signalling. By inhibiting the binding of histamine, antihistamines decrease the normal histamine response from cells, consequently decreasing allergic symptoms. Antihistamines such as pheniramine appear to compete with histamine for histamine H1- receptor sites on effector cells. The antihistamines antagonize those pharmacological effects of histamine which are mediated through activation of H1- receptor sites and thereby reduce the intensity of allergic reactions and tissue injury response involving histamine release. Antihistamines suppress the histamine-induced wheal (swelling) and flare (vasodilation) response by blocking the binding of histamine to its receptors on nerves, vascular smooth muscle, glandular cells, endothelium, and mast cells. They effectively exert competitive antagonism of histamine for H1-receptors. Pheniramine is marketed under the trade name Avil and Visine-A among others).

Dexchlorpheniramine, the d-isomer of the racemic compound chlorpheniramine, is two times more active than chlorpheniramine. Dexchlorpheniramine does not prevent the release of histamine, but rather, competes with free histamine for binding at the H1-receptor sites, and competitively antagonizes the effects of histamine on H1-receptors in the GI tract, uterus, large blood vessels, and bronchial muscle. Blockade of H1-receptors also suppresses the formation of oedema, flare, and pruritus that result from histaminic activity. Since dexchlorpheniramine binds to central and peripheral H1-receptors, sedative effects are likely to occur. H1-antagonists are structurally similar to anticholinergic agents and therefore possess the potential to exhibit anticholinergic properties of varying degrees. They also have antipruritic effects. Dexchlorpheniramine has high antihistaminic activity, moderate anticholinergic effects and minimal sedative effects. The drug does not possess antiemetic properties.