What is Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?
Dexchlorpheniramine reduces histamine's effects in the body. Histamine may cause symptoms such as sneezing and itching. It can also lead to watery eyes and a runny or watery nose. Pseudoephedrine works to decongest nasal passageways by contracting blood vessels. Congestion in the nose can often be traced back to dilation of these veins. Dexchlorpheniramine combined with pseudoephedrine can be used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies or the common cold, such as sneezing and runny, stuffy, or watery nasal passages. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of dexchlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine.
Side effects of Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine
If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of lips, face throat and tongue then an allergy could be to blame.
Dexchlorpheniramine may have serious side effects. If you experience:
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Chest pain with a rapid heartbeat or an irregular heart rate.
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Confusion, hallucinations, and severe anxiety
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Tremor, seizure (convulsions);
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Little or no urinating is acceptable.
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Easy bruising, bleeding, or unusual weakness
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Dangerously high blood pressure. (severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath)
Some of the common side effects associated with dexchlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine include:
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Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;
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Dry mouth or nose
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Constipation and nausea are common symptoms of constipation.
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Memory or concentration problems;
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Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
There may be other side effects.Need advice regarding side effects? Speak with your physician. Contacting the FDA with any adverse side effects should be easy - simply dial 1-800-FDA-1088!
Similar/related drugs
Epinephrine topical, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine for nasal use, sodium chloride nasal, and Afrin
Warnings
If you've taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days, do not take dexchlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine. A harmful drug-drug interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline and transylcypromine.
Before you take this drug
If you've taken a MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, do not take this medication. Potentially harmful interactions could arise between medications. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine, rasagiline and tranylcypromine - each one offering different strengths of protection for MAO enzymes.
This medication should not be used if you have an allergy to pseudoephedrine or dexchlorpheniramine.
If you suffer from:
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If you suffer from asthma, COPD or have an cough caused by mucus accumulation from smoking or chronic lung diseases then this could be the source.
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A blockage of the intestines or stomach;
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Kidney disease or liver disease
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High blood pressure, recent heart attack, or coronary heart disease;
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Urination or prostate problems;
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Glaucoma;
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Diabetes;
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Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
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Pheochromocytoma
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Overactive thyroid
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If you are taking potassium supplements (Polycitra Urocit K, Klor Con, Klor Lyte K-Phos, Kaon Epiklor K-Lyte K-Phos),
Dexchlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, and other drugs are not proven to harm unborn babies. If you're pregnant, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor. Dexchlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine may pass into breastmilk. It's not clear if this could be harmful to a baby who is nursing. Decongestants and antihistamines can also reduce breast milk production. If you're breastfeeding, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor. This medicine may have more side effects for older adults. Phenylalanine can be found in liquid cold medicines that are artificially sweetened. Check the label of your medication to determine if it contains phenylalanine if you suffer from phenylketonuria.
How to take Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. Use only the recommended dose. Do not exceed it. Cold medicines are usually only taken for a few days until symptoms disappear. This medication should not be given to children younger than four years of age. Ask a doctor first before you give a child a cold or cough medicine. Children can die if they misuse cough medicines. Do not use a normal table spoon to measure liquid medicines. Use a dose-measuring cup or spoon. Consult a pharmacist if necessary.If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days, call your doctor.
Antihistamines can produce unusual reactions in skin allergy tests. Inform any physician who you see that you take an antihistamine. Tell the surgeon if you've taken cold medication in the last few days. Keep away from heat and moisture. Keep it at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for nasal congestion:
Dexchlorpheniramine-pseudoephedrine extended release oral suspension (3 mg-50 mg/5 mL). Extended Release.
Do not exceed 30 mL per day.
The usual pediatric dose for nasal congestion is:
Dexchlorpheniramine-pseudoephedrine extended release oral suspension (3 mg-50 mg/5 mL). Extended Release.From 2–5 years old: orally, 2.5–5 mL every 12 hours. Do not exceed 10 mL per day.
From 6 to 11 years old: orally, 5 to 7 mL every 12 hours. Maximum: 15 mL per day.
If you are 12 or older, take 15 mL every 12 hours orally. Do not exceed 30 mL per day.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a regular schedule of dosages since cold medicines are taken only when needed. Take the missed dosage as soon as possible if you take your medication regularly.If your next dose is coming due, do not take the one missed.You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
The medication can affect your ability to think or react. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Alcohol can enhance certain dexchlorpheniramine side effects and pseudoephedrine. Before using another cold, allergy, or sleep medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Many combination medications contain dexchlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine. You can get an overdose of certain drugs if you take certain products in combination. You can check the label of a medication to determine if it contains antihistamines or decongestants.
Interaction with other drug
Before using pseudoephedrine and dexchlorpheniramine, ask your doctor if you also use any other medications, such as over-the-counter and prescription medicines, or herbal products. When used in combination, some medicines may cause harmful or unwanted effects. This medication guide does not list all interactions. This medicine can have a worsening effect if taken with drugs that cause you to sleep or reduce your breathing. Before taking dexchlorpheniramine with pseudoephedrine, consult your doctor if you are also using a muscle relaxer or narcotic pain medication, as well as a sleeping tablet, anxiety medicine, or depression medicine.
