
Pyrilamine maleate is a widely used antihistamine compound in pharmaceutical formulations. It effectively blocks histamine H1 receptors, helping relieve allergy symptoms such as hay fever, urticaria, and rhinitis. Known for its fast action and moderate duration, it remains a key active ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications.
This article provides a detailed overview of pyrilamine maleate, covering its chemical properties, pharmacological performance, and material grades. We also examine its applications in healthcare and how recent innovations improve efficacy and safety. Furthermore, the blog highlights how the PatSnap Eureka AI Agent empowers R&D teams by delivering patent intelligence and competitive insights, helping pharmaceutical companies stay ahead in drug development.
What is Pyrilamine Maleate?
Pyrilamine maleate is the maleate salt form of pyrilamine, an H1 histamine receptor antagonist.
- Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₂₂N₂·C₄H₄O₄
- CAS Number: 298-07-7
- Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder
- Solubility: Soluble in water and ethanol
It is primarily used to alleviate allergic reactions by preventing histamine from binding to its receptors. The maleate salt improves its stability and bioavailability in formulations.

Composition & Properties/Performance
Property | Specification |
---|---|
Molecular Weight | 338.4 g/mol (pyrilamine maleate) |
Melting Point | 130-135°C |
Solubility | Water soluble |
pH (aqueous solution) | Approx. 5.5-6.5 |
Stability | Stable under recommended storage |
Key Functional Properties:
- Effective H1 receptor antagonist
- Rapid onset of antihistaminic action
- Moderate duration of effect supports twice-daily dosing
- Compatible with multiple pharmaceutical excipients
Material Grades & Designations
It is mainly supplied in pharmaceutical-grade purity to meet drug manufacturing standards.
Standard System | Grade/Designation | Typical Use Case |
---|---|---|
USP/NF | Pharmaceutical Grade | Allergy medications |
EP (European Pharmacopeia) | High Purity Grade | Prescription formulations |
Application Landscape
Pyrilamine maleate’s primary use is in pharmaceuticals, particularly:
- Allergy relief medications: Tablets, syrups, and topical creams
- Cold and flu formulations: Combined with decongestants and analgesics
- Veterinary medicine: Treatment of allergic symptoms in animals
Example Use Cases:
- A leading pharmaceutical brand uses pyrilamine maleate in antihistamine tablets for seasonal allergies.
- Veterinary products incorporate it to manage pruritus and allergic dermatitis.
Emerging Trends:
- Development of fast-dissolving oral films using pyrilamine maleate for rapid symptom relief
- Combination therapies with novel agents to reduce sedation side effects
- Regulatory-driven innovation for safer, non-drowsy antihistamine formulations
Pyrilamine Maleate vs Other Similar Materials
Feature | Pyrilamine Maleate | Diphenhydramine | Chlorpheniramine |
---|---|---|---|
Onset of Action | Fast | Fast | Moderate |
Duration | Moderate | Short | Longer |
Sedation Risk | Moderate | High | Low |
Common Uses | Allergies | Allergies, Cough | Allergies |
Advantages of Pyrilamine Maleate:
- Balanced Sedation Profile:
Unlike some first-generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) that cause strong sedation, pyrilamine maleate induces only moderate drowsiness. This balance improves patient comfort and compliance, especially for daytime use. - Rapid Onset of Action:
It acts quickly by effectively blocking histamine H1 receptors. Patients typically experience relief from allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose within a short period. - Versatility in Formulations:
It is compatible with a wide range of dosage forms, including tablets, syrups, creams, and fast-dissolving films. This adaptability facilitates tailoring treatments to different patient needs. - Good Oral Bioavailability:
The maleate salt form improves the solubility and absorption of pyrilamine, ensuring consistent plasma levels for reliable therapeutic effects. - Established Safety Profile:
Decades of clinical use and extensive studies have confirmed its safety when administered according to guidelines. Adverse effects are generally mild and manageable. - Cost-Effectiveness:
It is relatively inexpensive to manufacture compared to some newer antihistamines, making it accessible for over-the-counter and prescription medications worldwide. - Compatibility with Combination Therapies:
It can be safely combined with other active ingredients such as decongestants, analgesics, or other antihistamines, broadening its therapeutic utility.
Innovations & Technology
Recent research and technological advancements are enhancing pyrilamine maleate’s applications, efficacy, and sustainability:
1. Novel Drug Delivery Systems
- Development of fast-dissolving oral films enhances rapid onset and convenience, especially for pediatric and geriatric patients who have difficulty swallowing pills.
- Use of transdermal patches allows sustained release, improving patient compliance and reducing dosing frequency.
- Nanoencapsulation techniques are being explored to improve bioavailability and reduce side effects by targeted delivery.
2. Combination Formulations
- New formulations combine pyrilamine maleate with non-sedating antihistamines or decongestants, providing broad-spectrum allergy relief while minimizing drowsiness.
- Multi-symptom cold and allergy remedies utilize it to address diverse symptoms effectively.
3. Synthesis and Manufacturing Improvements
- Application of green chemistry principles to pyrilamine synthesis reduces hazardous waste and energy consumption.
- Use of continuous flow reactors streamlines production, enhances quality control, and scales up efficiently.
- Enhanced purification methods yield pharmaceutical-grade material with reduced impurities.
4. Formulation Enhancements
- Taste-masking technologies reduce the bitter taste of pyrilamine maleate, improving palatability in oral liquids and chewable tablets.
- Stabilizers and excipients are optimized to enhance shelf-life and maintain potency under varied storage conditions.
5. Regulatory and Safety Innovations
- Formulations focus on reducing sedative effects and minimizing drug interactions, addressing safety concerns in polypharmacy patients.
- Advanced pharmacovigilance tools monitor real-world safety data, driving post-market improvements.
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
- Pyrilamine maleate production increasingly incorporates green synthesis methods to lower environmental burden.
- The pharmaceutical industry monitors wastewater and emissions for compliance with environmental regulations.
- Compliance with REACH, FDA, and other safety standards ensures minimal ecological impact during production and use.
PatSnap Eureka AI Agent Capabilities
PatSnap Eureka AI Agent aids pharmaceutical R&D by:
- Mapping patent landscapes related to pyrilamine maleate and antihistamines
- Providing competitive analysis and innovation trend forecasting
- Helping avoid patent infringement through comprehensive IP tracking
- Delivering data-driven insights for faster, smarter drug development
Conclusion
Pyrilamine maleate is a proven, effective antihistamine widely used for allergy relief. Its balanced efficacy, moderate sedation risk, and compatibility with multiple formulations keep it relevant in modern pharmaceuticals.
Innovation focuses on improving delivery methods, safety profiles, and environmentally responsible manufacturing. Leveraging tools like PatSnap Eureka empowers companies to navigate the evolving pharmaceutical landscape confidently.
In summary, pyrilamine maleate remains an essential material in allergy therapeutics, supported by continuous innovation and strategic R&D intelligence.
FAQs
It is used primarily to treat allergic conditions by blocking histamine H1 receptors.
It offers a balanced onset and duration with moderate sedation compared to alternatives.
Yes, it has a well-established safety profile when used as directed
Yes, it is commonly included in treatments for animal allergies.
For more scientific explanations of pyrilamine maleate , try PatSnap Eureka AI Agent.


