Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine

Generic name: Dexchlorpheniramine And Pseudoephedrine
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Usage of Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine

Chlorpheniramine" href="/drugs/dexchlorpheniramine-4069/">Dexchlorpheniramine 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.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine side effects

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

Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may cause serious side effects. Stop using dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine and call your doctor at once if you have:

chest pain, rapid pulse, fast or uneven heart rate;

confusion, hallucinations, severe nervousness;

tremor, seizure (convulsions);

little or no urinating;

easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or

dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, shortness of breath).

Common side effects of dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may include:

dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;

dry nose or mouth;

nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;

problems with memory or concentration; or

feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

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 Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dexchlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine.

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

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

a blockage in your stomach or intestines;

kidney or liver disease;

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

enlarged prostate or urination problems;

glaucoma;

diabetes;

epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor);

overactive thyroid; or

if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).

It is not known whether dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may also slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.

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

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How to use Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine

Usual Adult Dose for Nasal Congestion:

Dexchlorpheniramine-pseudoephedrine 3 mg-50 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:15 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Congestion:

Dexchlorpheniramine-pseudoephedrine 3 mg-50 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:2 to 5 years: 2.5 to 5 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 10 mL daily.6 to 11 years: 5 to 7.5 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 15 mL daily.12 years or older: 15 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

Warnings

Do not use dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

What other drugs will affect Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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.

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

Disclaimer

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