What is Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?
Chlorpheniramine reduces histamine's effects in the body. Histamine may cause symptoms, including sneezing and itching. It can also lead to watery or runny eyes. Pseudoephedrine works as a nasal decongestant by shrinking blood vessels. This can lead to nasal congestion. A combination medicine that contains pseudoephedrine and chlorpheniramine is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies or common colds, such as sneezing and runny, stuffy, or watery eyes. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for pseudoephedrine and chlorpheniramine.
Side effects of Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of allergy: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling on lips, face, throat, tongue or mouth - seek emergency medical assistance immediately!
The side effects of this medicine can be serious. If you experience:
- Chest pain with a rapid heartbeat or an irregular heart rate.
- Confusion, hallucinations, and severe anxiety
- Tremor, seizure (convulsions);
- Little or no urinating is acceptable.
- Easy bruising, bleeding, or unusual weakness
- Dangerously high blood pressure. (insomnia, severe headaches, buzzing of the ears, anxiety, and shortness of breath)
Older adults may experience side effects like dry mouth, confusion, or constipation.
Side effects that may occur from chlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;
- Dry mouth or nose
- Constipation and nausea are common symptoms of constipation.
- Memory or concentration problems;
- Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
There may be other side effects. Contact your physician if any side effects develop; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in case any adverse events should arise.
Warnings
This medicine should not be used if in the last 14 days you took an MAO-inhibitor, including isocarboxazid or linezolid. Antihistamines should never be used to put a child to sleep.
Before you take this drug
You should not take this medication if you've taken a MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction may occur. The MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (rasagiline), selegiline (tranylcypromine), and rasagiline. This medication should be avoided if you have an allergy to pseudoephedrine or chlorpheniramine.
If you suffer from:
- If you have asthma, COPD, or a cough that is caused by mucus, smoking, or chronic lung disease, then this could be the cause.
- A blockage of the intestines or stomach;
- Kidney disease or liver disease
- High blood pressure, coronary heart disease, or recent heart attacks;
- Urination or prostate problems;
- Glaucoma;
- Diabetes;
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Pheochromocytoma
- Overactive thyroid gland;
- If you are taking potassium supplements (K-Phos or K-Con),
The effects of chlorpheniramine on an unborn child are not yet known. If you're pregnant, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor. There is no way to know if chlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine can pass into breast milk or if they could cause harm to a baby who's nursing. Antihistamines, decongestants, and other medications may reduce breast milk production. If you're breastfeeding, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor. Phenylalanine can be found in artificially sweetened liquid medicines. If you have phenylketonuria, check the label of your medication.
How to take Chlorpheniramine 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. Antihistamines should never be used to put a child to sleep. Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing.
Use the provided dosing device, a dose-measuring spoon, or medicine cups. Ask your pharmacist if you don't have one. Tell the surgeon if you've taken cold medication in the last few days. 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. Steer clear of heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for taking cold medication, as it is only taken when needed. Take the missed dosage as soon as possible if you take your medication regularly. If your next dose is due soon, forgo any missed ones and wait. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect a poison exposure and require emergency assistance or for further advice and 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 consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication. Before using other sleep, cold, or allergy medications, consult your doctor. Most combination medications contain pseudoephedrine or chlorpheniramine. You can get too much medicine by taking 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 chlorpheniramine, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you also use any other medications, such as over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies. 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. You should consult your doctor before taking pseudoephedrine and chlorpheniramine with sleeping pills, pain relievers, muscle relaxers, anxiety or depression medications, or other medicines.
