What is Chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine?
Chlorpheniramine 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 irritated nose. Phenylephrine shrinks the blood vessels of the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause congestion in the nasal passages. Combination medicine that contains chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and other ingredients is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies or common colds, such as sneezing and runny, stuffy, or watery noses, or itchy, irritated eyes. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine.
Side effects of Chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine
Symptoms of allergic reaction could include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, face or throat and difficulty swallowing. Seek medical assistance immediately in such instances.
Chlorpheniramine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain, rapid pulse, or fast heart rate
- Confusion, hallucinations, and severe nervousness are symptoms of confusion.
- Tremor, seizure (convulsions);
- Little or no urinating is acceptable.
- Easy bruising, bleeding, or unusual weakness
- Dangerously high blood pressure. (severe headaches, buzzing in the ears, anxiety, shortness of breath)
Side effects common to chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;
- Dry mouth or nose
- Constipation, nausea, and loss of appetite are all symptoms that can be caused by constipation.
- Memory or concentration problems;
- Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for FDA reporting of potential issues contact at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, fluticasone nasal, montelukast, cetirizine, benadryl, diphenhydramine, and promethazine
Warnings
This medication should not be taken if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Examples include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or transylcypromine. Antihistamines should not be used to put a child to sleep.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine, then do not use the combination. You should not take this medication if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Drug interactions can occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and other drugs.
If you suffer from:
- Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma; coughing up mucus or coughing due to smoking;
- A blockage of the intestines or stomach;
- Kidney or liver diseases
- Heart disease or coronary arterial disease;
- Urination or prostate problems;
- Glaucoma;
- Diabetes;
- Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
- Pheochromocytoma
- Overactive thyroid gland;
- If you are taking potassium (Cytra Epiklor K-Phos Kaon Klor-Con Polycitra Urocit-K),
There is no way to know if chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine can harm an unborn child. If you are pregnant, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor. There is no way to know if chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine can pass into breast milk or if they could harm a baby who is nursing. Antihistamines, decongestants, and other medications may also reduce breast milk production. Do not use this medication without consulting your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child. 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 have phenylketonuria.
How to take Chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine?
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 the symptoms disappear. This medication should not be given to children younger than four years of age. Ask a doctor first before giving cough or cold medication to your child. Children as young as 4 years old can die from the misuse of cough medicines. Antihistamines should not be used to put a child to sleep.
Do not open, crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet or capsule. It is best to swallow it whole. If you break or open the pill, too much drug may be released. Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing. 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. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days or you experience a fever, headache, cough, or skin rash, call your doctor. Antihistamines can produce unusual results in allergy skin tests. Inform any doctor that you see about your antihistamine use. Tell the surgeon if you've taken cold medication in the last few days. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
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 dose immediately if you take the medication regularly. If your next scheduled dosage is near, 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.
What should be avoided?
This medication can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Alcohol can increase the side effects of chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine. Before using any other cold medicine, allergy medication, or sleeping aid, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Many combination medications contain chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine. You can take too much medication by taking certain products together. You can check the label of a medication to see if it contains antihistamines or decongestants.
Interaction with other drug
Before using chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you also use any other medications, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Certain medicines taken together may produce unwanted or dangerous side-effects; this medication guide does not list every possible interaction. This medicine can have a worse effect if taken with drugs that cause you to sleep or slow down your breathing. You should consult your doctor before taking phenylephrine and chlorpheniramine with sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicines, muscle relaxers, or medication for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
