chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine

What is the most important information I should know about this medicine?

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

What is chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant.

Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking this medicine?

Do not use chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• asthma or COPD, cough with mucus;
• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
• high blood pressure, heart disease;
• liver or kidney disease;
• glaucoma;
• enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• overactive thyroid; or
• pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor).

Liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take this medicine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking this medicine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

• severe anxiety, tremor, seizure (convulsions);
• painful or difficult urination;
• fast or pounding heartbeats; or
• severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• blurred vision;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• increased or decreased urination;
• nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• nervousness.

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.

What other drugs will affect this medicine?

Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine.