chlorpheniramine

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlorpheniramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking chlorpheniramine.

Do not crush, chew, or break any timed release forms of chlorpheniramine. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly into your body.

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. Chlorpheniramine blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.

Chlorpheniramine is used to treat sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Chlorpheniramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not take chlorpheniramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;
• a stomach ulcer;
• an enlarged prostate, bladder problems or difficulty urinating;
• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
• hypertension or any type of heart problems; or
• asthma.

You may not be able to take chlorpheniramine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Chlorpheniramine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take chlorpheniramine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Chlorpheniramine passes into breast milk. Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines, and serious side effects could occur in a nursing baby. Chlorpheniramine is not recommended if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not take chlorpheniramine without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from chlorpheniramine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Take chlorpheniramine exactly as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Chlorpheniramine can be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break any timed release forms of chlorpheniramine. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly into your body.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the syrup form of chlorpheniramine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. The maximum amount of chlorpheniramine that you should take in 1 day is 24 mg. The regular-release tablets and the syrup are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed (four to six times a day). The sustained-release tablets and capsules are usually taken every 8 to 12 hours as needed (two or three times a day).

Store chlorpheniramine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a chlorpheniramine overdose include extreme sleepiness, confusion, weakness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, large pupils, dry mouth, flushing, fever, shaking, insomnia, hallucinations, and possibly seizures.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlorpheniramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking chlorpheniramine.

If you experience an allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine including swelling of your lips, tongue, or face, difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, or hives, stop taking it and seek emergency medical attention.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take chlorpheniramine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness;
• headache;
• dry mouth; or
• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not take chlorpheniramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Talk to your pharmacist before taking other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or insomnia medications. These products may contain medicines similar to chlorpheniramine, which could lead to an overdose of antihistamine.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• anxiety or sleep medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion);
• medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil); or
• any other medications that make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or relaxed.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chlorpheniramine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Your pharmacist has more information about chlorpheniramine written for health professionals that you may read.

Chlorpheniramine is available both with a prescription and over the counter under many brand and generic names as regular tablets, chewable tablets, timed-release tablets, and a syrup. Other formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.