What is chlorpheniramine and what is its use?
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.
The uses of chlorpheniramine include the following:
Allergic runny nose
Relief of cold symptoms
urticaria
angioedema
Anaphylactic reactions
itching
Allergic conjunctivitis
How chlorpheniramine works
This medicine works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. By blocking another natural substance made by the body (acetylcholine), it helps dry up some body fluids to relieve symptoms such as watery eyes and a runny nose.
How to use chlorpheniramine
If you are using an over-the-counter medication, read all directions on the product package before taking the medication.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.
Take the tablet, capsule or liquid form orally with or without food
If you are using extended-release capsules, swallow them whole.
Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets.
Also, do not split extended-release tablets.
If you are using the liquid form, use a medication measuring device to accurately measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a homemade spoon.
If the liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.
Your dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment.
Do not increase your dose and see your doctor if your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem.
Types and dosage of chlorpheniramine
Tablet:
4 mg
8 mg
12 mg
Syrup:
2 mg in 5 ml
allergic rhinitis:
Tablet or syrup: 4 mg every 4-6 hours; No more than 24 mg per day.
Extended-release tablets: 8 mg every 8-12 hours or 12 mg every 12 hours. No more than 24 mg per day.
Extended-release capsules: 12 mg daily; No more than 24 mg per day.
Extended-release capsules: 8-12 mg every 8-12 hours, up to a maximum of 16-24 mg per day.
Side effects of chlorpheniramine
Drowsiness
dizziness
constipation
stomach discomfort
blurred vision
Dry mouth, nose and throat
To relieve dry mouth, suck on hard candy or ice chips (sugar-free), chew gum (sugar-free), or drink water.
If you are using an extended-release product, the empty pill shell may appear in your stool. It is harmless.
If your doctor has prescribed this medicine, remember that he has judged that the benefits to you outweigh the risk of side effects. Most people who use this drug do not experience serious side effects.
Serious side effects:
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
Mental and mood changes (such as restlessness, confusion)
Difficulty urinating
Fast and irregular heartbeat
Get medical help right away if any very serious side effects occur, including: seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but if it occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Serious allergic reaction:
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:
skin rash
Itching, swelling (especially in the face/tongue/throat)
severe dizziness
breathing problem
Precautions in using chlorpheniramine
before taking chlorpheniramine, if you are allergic to it or to dexchlorpheniramine; Or if you have other allergies, talk to your doctor.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if:
Respiratory problems (such as asthma, emphysema)
Glaucoma
heart problems
high blood pressure
liver disease
convulsions
Stomach and intestinal problems (such as ulcers, blockages)
Hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism)
Difficulty urinating (such as an enlarged prostate)
Warnings
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision.
To minimize dizziness and light-headedness, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
Liquid products may contain aspartame, sugar or alcohol.
If you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other medical condition that requires you to limit or avoid these substances in your diet.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products).
Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation or difficulty urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead of drowsiness.
During pregnancy, this drug should be used only when clearly needed.
Based on related drug information, this drug may pass into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects.
Keep a list of all the products you use (including over-the-counter and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of medications without your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
Antihistamines that are used on the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray).
If you are using other drugs that cause drowsiness, such as antitussives (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, sleep or anxiety medications (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or Tell your doctor or pharmacist about other antihistamine medications (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Chlorpheniramine is very similar to dechlorpheniramine. When using chlorpheniramine, do not use drugs containing chlorpheniramine.
This medicine may interfere with some laboratory tests (including allergy skin testing), possibly causing false results.
Chlorpheniramine overdose
Call 911 if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as fainting or trouble breathing.
Overdose symptoms may include:
large pupil
hot flashes
Fever
Delusion
weakness
shaking
muscle strain
Loss of consciousness
convulsions
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
Take the next dose at the scheduled time.
Do not double the dose to compensate.
Chlorpheniramine drug recommendations
1- In order to reduce digestive irritation, it should be taken with food, water or milk.
2- In case of drowsiness, refrain from doing things that require attention.
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