dexchlorpheniramine
What is the most important information I should know about dexchlorpheniramine?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you have health problems or use other medications, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use cold or allergy medicine to make a child sleepy.
What is dexchlorpheniramine?
Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.
Dexchlorpheniramine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexchlorpheniramine?
You should not use dexchlorpheniramine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);
- severe coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
- a stomach ulcer;
- narrow-angle glaucoma;
- if you are unable to urinate; or
- if you are having an asthma attack.
Do not use dexchlorpheniramine 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:
- breathing problems;
- a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;
- an enlarged prostate;
- a stomach ulcer;
- a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
- glaucoma;
- heart disease, high blood pressure;
- a thyroid disorder;
- liver or kidney disease;
- diabetes; or
- seizures.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
How should I take dexchlorpheniramine?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cold or allergy medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cold or allergy medicines in very young children.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever.
If you need surgery, tell your surgeon if you are currently using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since cold or allergy 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?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking dexchlorpheniramine?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cold or allergy medicines that may contain similar ingredients.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
Avoid becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. You may be more prone to heat stroke while taking an antihistamine.
What are the possible side effects of dexchlorpheniramine?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using dexchlorpheniramine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- extreme drowsiness;
- confusion, hallucinations;
- feeling nervous, restless, or dizzy;
- a seizure; or
- little or no urination.
Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness;
- blurred vision;
- constipation;
- flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
- dry mouth, nose, or throat; or
- feeling restless or excited (especially in a child).
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 dexchlorpheniramine?
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 dexchlorpheniramine.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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