What is Chlorpheniramine?
Chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine, reduces the effects that histamine has on the body. Histamine can cause symptoms such as sneezing and itching. It may also cause watery eyes and a runny or watery nose. Chlorpheniramine can be used to treat symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching caused by allergies, flu, or the common cold. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of chlorpheniramine.
Side effects of Chlorpheniramine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and/or throat.
Chlorpheniramine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fast or irregular heart rate
- Mood changes
- Tremor, seizure (convulsions);
- Easy bruising, bleeding, or unusual weakness
- Feeling short of breath
- Little or no urinating.
Chlorpheniramine can cause a number of side effects.
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Constipation;
- Blurred vision
- Feeling nervous or restless
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting them is needed.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, fluticasone nasal, montelukast, cetirizine, loratadine, triamcinolone, and benadryl
Warnings
Never give cough or cold medications to very young children without consulting a doctor. If you have narrow-angle glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or are experiencing an asthma attack, you should avoid using chlorpheniramine.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to chlorpheniramine or:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma;
- A blockage of the intestines or stomach;
- An enlarged prostate
- If you're unable to urinate,
- If you have an asthma attack, call 911.
If you suffer from:
- A blockage of the digestive tract (stomach, intestines), colostomy;
- Liver or kidney disease
- Emphysema, or chronic lung disease.
- Heart Disease High blood pressure Coronary Artery Disease or an earlier Heart Attack
- Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
- Urination problems
- Pheochromocytoma
- Overactive thyroid.
FDA pregnancy category B It is not expected that chlorpheniramine will harm an unborn child. If you are pregnant, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor. Chlorpheniramine can pass into breastmilk and harm a baby who is nursing. Antihistamines can also reduce breast milk production. Do not use this medication without consulting your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child. Phenylalanine can be found in cold medicines that are artificially sweetened. Check the label of your medication to determine if it contains phenylalanine if you have phenylketonuria.
How to take Chlorpheniramine?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. Use only the recommended dose. Do not exceed it. It is common to take chlorpheniramine for only a few days until symptoms disappear. Take the medication for no more than seven days. Speak to your doctor if symptoms don't improve after seven days or you experience a headache and fever. No longer chew or crush the extended-release tablets. It is best to swallow it whole. If you break the pill, too much drug may be released. Do not use a regular spoon to measure liquid medicines. Use a dose-measuring cup or spoon. Ask your pharmacist if you don't have a dose-measuring device. Never give cough or cold medications to very young children without consulting a doctor. Tell your doctor or surgeon, if you've taken this medication within the last few days, if you are going to need medical testing or surgery. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. The liquid form of the medicine should not be allowed to freeze.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a regular dosing regimen because this medication is only taken as needed. Take the missed dose immediately if you take the medication regularly. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. 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. Some of the symptoms listed in this guide may be severe overdose symptoms.
What should be avoided?
Chlorpheniramine can cause blurred vision or affect your thinking and reactions. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness and the ability to see clearly. Chlorpheniramine can be exacerbated by alcohol. Before using any other allergy, cold, or sleep medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Many combination medications contain antihistamines. You can get too much medication by taking certain products in combination. You can check the label of a medication to see if it contains antihistamines. Avoid overheating or dehydration during exercise and hot weather. Chlorpheniramine may decrease sweating, making you more susceptible to heatstroke.
Interaction with other drug
Chlorpheniramine can make these effects worse if taken with drugs that slow breathing or cause sleepiness. You should consult your doctor if you are taking chlorpheniramine along with sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicines, muscle relaxers, or medications for anxiety, depression, or seizures. Before using this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you also use any other medications, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. When used together, some medicines can have unwanted or harmful effects. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
