Chlorpheniramine

Generic name: Chlorpheniramine
Drug class: Antihistamines

Usage of Chlorpheniramine

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Chlorpheniramine is used to treat runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Chlorpheniramine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Chlorpheniramine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Chlorpheniramine may cause serious side effects. Stop using chlorpheniramine and call your doctor at once if you have:

fast or uneven heart rate;

mood changes;

tremor, seizure (convulsions);

easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

feeling short of breath; or

little or no urinating.

Common side effects of chlorpheniramine may include:

dizziness, drowsiness;

dry mouth, nose, or throat;

constipation;

blurred vision; or

feeling nervous or restless.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Chlorpheniramine

You should not use chlorpheniramine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

narrow-angle glaucoma;

a blockage in your stomach or intestines;

an enlarged prostate;

if you are unable to urinate; or

if you are having an asthma attack.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take chlorpheniramine if you have:

a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), a colostomy or ileostomy;

liver or kidney disease;

asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;

high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease, or recent heart attack;

epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

urination problems;

pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor); or

overactive thyroid.

FDA pregnancy category B. Chlorpheniramine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

Chlorpheniramine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines may also slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially sweetened cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.

Relate drugs

How to use Chlorpheniramine

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. chlorpheniramine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.

Warnings

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

You should not use chlorpheniramine if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, an enlarged prostate, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are having an asthma attack.

What other drugs will affect Chlorpheniramine

Taking chlorpheniramine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking chlorpheniramine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Disclaimer

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