What is Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?
Chlorpheniramine acts as an antihistamine. Dextromethorphan suppresses coughing. Pseudoephedrine works as a decongestant. Combination medicine containing chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine treats allergies, flu, the common cold, and sneezing. Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine do not work to treat coughs caused by asthma or emphysema, nor can they be used for a smoker's cough. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine.
Side effects of Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine
When experiencing signs and symptoms associated with allergies, seek medical help immediately: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling around lips, face throat or tongue.
The side effects of this medicine can be serious. If you experience:
- Severe anxiety, tremor, seizure (convulsions);
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Fast or pounding pulses or heartbeats
- A severe headache that pounds your ears or neck
Side effects that may occur from chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth, throat, or nose;
- Increased or decreased urine production;
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are all symptoms of nausea.
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects. Report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Bromfed DM, brompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine; Vicks Dayquil Cold and Fever Relief; Mucinex D; Codeine; and Promethazine VC
Warning
If you have taken an MAO inhibitor within 14 days (such as isocarboxazid or linezolid) such as phenelzine rasagiline selegiline or tranylcypromine then do not take this medication.
Before you take this drug
If you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, avoid using chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan. A dangerous drug interaction may occur. The MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, rasagiline, and selegiline.
If you suffer from:
- Coughing up mucus with asthma or COPD;
- A blockage of your digestive system (stomach, intestines)
- Heart disease and high blood pressure
- Liver or kidney disease
- Glaucoma;
- Urination or prostate problems;
- Overactive thyroid gland;
- Pheochromocytoma
The liquid medicine you take may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria, check the label of your medication. Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing.
How to take Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?
Follow the directions on the package or those prescribed by your physician. Use cold or cough medicines only as needed until symptoms have cleared up. Follow the directions provided on the label when giving cough medicine or cold medicine to children. Never use cough and cold medicine to put a young child to sleep. Measuring liquid medication is important. Dosing devices are available, but not spoons. The chewable tablet must be chewed before it can be swallowed. Don't take more than seven days at a time. Tell your doctor or surgeon if this medication was taken within the last few days and if you are going to need medical testing or surgery. Keep away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for nasal congestion and cough:
Take 10 ml of oral liquid (containing 2 mg chlorpheniramine, 10 mg dextromethorphan, and 30 mg pseudoephedrine in 5 ml) every four hours.
Maximum dose: 4 doses per 24 hours.
Paediatric dose for nasal congestion and cough:
Oral liquid (2 mg chlorpheniramine, 10 mg dextromethorphan, and 30 mg pseudoephedrine per 5 ml):
From 6 to 11: Orally, 5–10 ml every 4 to 6 hours.
For 12 years and older, 10 ml every four hours
Maximum dose: 4 doses per 24 hours.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for your dosages, as you only use the drugs when they are needed. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine affects you. You may be unable to react properly. Before using any other cold, allergy, or sleep medications that contain similar ingredients, consult your doctor. Exercise and hot weather are both ways to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated. You may become more susceptible to heatstroke if you take this medicine. It can reduce sweating.
Interaction with other drug
Use this medication with caution if you are taking other medications that can cause drowsiness, such as muscle relaxers, opioid medicine, or medicines for anxiety, seizures, or seizure disorders. Before taking any other medications, such as prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal products, consult your doctor. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions with other drugs.