What is Dexchlorpheniramine and phenylephrine?
Dexchlorpheniramine reduces histamine's effects in the body.Phenylephrine shrinks blood vessels in your nasal passages.Dexchlorpheniramine with phenylephrine is used for treating runny, stuffy, sneezing noses, itching eyes, and nasal congestion due to allergies, flu, the common cold, or other respiratory infections. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for dexchlorpheniramine or phenylephrine.
Side effects of Dexchlorpheniramine and phenylephrine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Dexchlorpheniramine may have serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe dizziness;
- Nervousness, trouble sleeping;
- Little or no urine;
- High blood pressure (extreme headaches, severe pounding of the neck and ears)
Some of the common side effects that dexchlorpheniramine or phenylephrine can cause include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Dry throat or nose;
- Constipation;
- Blurred vision
- Feeling restless or elated (especially among children)
There may be other side effects. Call your healthcare provider for advice regarding side effects. Report adverse reactions by calling the FDA's Hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, Hydroxyzine, Fluticasone Nasal, Montelukast, Cetirizine, Promethazine, and Zyrtec
Warnings
If you've taken an MAO-inhibitor in the last 14 days (such as isocarboxazid or linezolid), don't use this medication. This medicine is not intended to put a child to sleep.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to either dexchlorpheniramine or phenylephrine, then do not take dexchlorpheniramine. If you've used MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days, do not take dexchlorpheniramine or phenylephrine. Drug interactions can occur. The MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine injection), rasagiline (selegiline), methylene blue injection, and others.
If you suffer from:
- Chronic bronchitis or asthma, or any other breathing disorders such as emphysema;
- High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease
- Glaucoma;
- Diabetes;
- Kidney disease
- A thyroid condition.
Before taking this medication if you are pregnant or nursing, consult with a healthcare provider first.
How to take Dexchlorpheniramine and phenylephrine?
Be sure to carefully follow any directions found on your package or given by your physician.Use cold or cough medicines only as needed until symptoms have cleared up. Do not chew or crush the tablet. Follow the directions provided on the label when giving cough and cold medicines to children. Never use cough and cold medicine to put a young child to sleep. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days, call your doctor. Tell your doctor or surgeon if this medication was taken within the last few days and if you are going to need medical testing or surgery. Avoid exposure to heat and moisture at ambient room temperatures.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for allergic rhinitis:
Dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine oral tablets come in strengths of 3.5-18.5 mg or 6-40 mg; to take as needed every 12 hours. Dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3 mg-20 mg oral tablet for extended release should be taken once or twice every 12 hours by mouth, with at least 1 or 2 tablets taken by mouth each time.
Adult dose for allergic urticaria: 200 milligrams every six hours or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine oral tablets available as extended release contain either 3.5 mg-18.5 mg of dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine in one tablet every 12 hours for maximum effectiveness and efficacy. For maximum convenience take one of each formulation daily as directed on packaging label.
Dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3 mg-20 mg oral tablet for extended release: The recommended dosing frequency is one or two tablets taken orally every 12 hours.
Pediatric dosage for allergic rhinitis in children typically comprises:
From 6-11 years, take half a tablet every 12 hours; from 12 years old and over take 1 tablet each 12 hours.
Take one 6 mg-40 mg dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine oral tablet every 12 hours as directed above for long term release use in people aged twelve years or above.
dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3 mg-20 mg oral tablets should be taken once every 12 hours by children 6-11 years of age, and one or two tablets every twelve hours by those 12 years and above.
Pediatric dosing guidelines for allergic urticaria include:
dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3.5 mg-18.5 mg oral tablet for long release is intended for children 6-11 years of age; half a tablet every 12 hours must be taken by these children, while those 12 years or over may take one tablet at that frequency.
Dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 6 mg-40 mg oral tablet extended release is intended to be taken once every 12 hours for adults 12 years and over.
Dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3 mg-20 mg oral tablet for extended release:
dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3 mg-20 mg oral tablet, extended release:
From 6 to 11 years old: one tablet every 12 hours.
Twelve years and older: Take 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for dexchlorpheniramine or phenylephrine because they are used as needed. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip any missed dosage.Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how the dexchlorpheniramine/phenylephrine combination will affect you. You could have impaired reactions. Before using any other cold or cough medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they contain the same ingredients. Dexchlorpheniramine can cause certain side effects to be exacerbated by alcohol consumption.
Interaction with other drug
Use this medication with caution if you are taking other medications that can cause drowsiness, such as muscle relaxers, opioids, and medicines for anxiety, seizures, etc. Before taking any other medications, such as prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal products, consult your doctor. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions with other drugs.
