What is Chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine?
Combination medicine chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine relieves symptoms such as coughs, colds, and allergies. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine.
Side effects of Chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, swelling in your face, lips, or throat, or hives.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using phenylephrine and chlorpheniramine immediately and contact your doctor.
- Confusion, hallucinations;
- Feeling nervous or irritable
- Trouble sleeping;
- Little or no urination
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Feeling of tingling or numbness;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- If you feel your heart fluttering or pounding, then it is likely that this is the cause.
- Severe headache, blurred sight, or pounding in the neck or ears
In older adults, serious side effects are more likely to occur.
Side effects common to chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine include:
- Constipation and nausea are both symptoms of a loss of appetite.
- Itching or rash
- Increased sweating
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Blurred vision
- Headache, dizziness,
- Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for further help on this subject contact 1-800-FDA-1088 and report.
Warnings
If you suffer from severe coronary heart disease or diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland, asthma, pneumonia, or any other breathing problem, then you should avoid using chlorpheniramine. If you've taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, do not take chlorpheniramine. Drug interactions can occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. This medicine should not be given to children younger than six years of age. The misuse of this medication can cause death in very small children. This medicine should not be used to put a child to sleep.
Before you take this drug
If you've taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, do not take chlorpheniramine. It is possible that a dangerous drug interaction will occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. You should wait at least 14 days after stopping MAO inhibitors before taking chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine.
This medicine should not be used if:
- Severe coronary artery diseases;
- Diabetes
- Overactive thyroid gland;
- Asthma, pneumonia, or other breathing disorders.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Heart disease, or high blood pressure.
- Blood circulation problems
- Glaucoma;
- An ulcer or obstruction of the stomach.
- Prostate enlargement
- If you have a bladder obstruction or any other problems with urination, then this is the problem for you.
- A history of seizures.
Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.
How to take Chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine?
Follow the instructions on the label or those prescribed by your physician. Cold and cough medicines are only to be used for a short time. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days or you experience a fever, headache, cough, or skin rash, call your doctor. This medication should not be given to children younger than six years of age. Ask a doctor first before giving cough and cold medicines to children. When giving these medicines to your child, make sure you follow all the instructions. Never use this medicine to put a child to sleep. Shake the suspension. Use the measuring device provided (not a spoon). Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Overdoses can be deadly. Overdose symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, ringing of the ears, tremors, and seizures, as well as dilated pupils, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
What should be avoided?
You may experience blurred vision or impaired reactions if you take chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine. Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication. Before taking any other cold or cough medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they contain similar ingredients. Sunburn can be exacerbated by chlorpheniramines, phenylephrines, and pyrilamines. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock (SPF 30 or higher).
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened by using chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow down your breathing. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, or medication for anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor. Other medications, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, may also affect chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
