Chlorpheniramine Description

Generic Name: CHLORPHENIRAMINE

Pronunciation: (klor fen ir' a meen)

Trade Name(s): Cadistin, Cepiam TR, Priton, Polaramine, Teldrin, Aller-Chlor

Why it is prescribed: Chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine, relieves red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. It may also relieve the itching of insect bites and bee stings.

When it is to be taken: Chlorpheniramine usually is taken every four to six hours or twice a day, in the morning and evening, as needed. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Do not take chlorpheniramine more often or take more doses in a 24-hour period than as directed on the prescription.

How it should be taken: Chlorpheniramine comes in extended-release (long-acting) tablets and capsules, regular tablets, chewable tablets, and oral liquid. The label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets and do not open extended-release capsules; swallow them whole. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose of the liquid.

Special Instruction: Chlorpheniramine can cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Side Effects:
1. Dry mouth, nose, and throat. Suck sugarless lozenges or hard candies, chew sugarless gum, or drink fluids.
2. Stomach upset. Take the medication with meals or milk.
3. Vision problems, difficulty urinating, muscle weakness, prolonged drowsiness, excitement, dizziness, skin rash. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions:
1. If you have asthma, glaucoma, ulcers, difficulty urinating, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not used chlorpheniramine unless your doctor is aware of your condition and directs you to take it.
2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
3. If you regularly take sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression or seizures, narcotics (pain medication), or other medication for colds, hay fever, or allergies, do not take chlorpheniramine without your doctor's advice and supervision.
4. Do not take chlorpheniramine if you have taken an monoaminooxidase inhibitors like isocarboxacid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last two weeks.
5. Do not give extended-release tablets or capsules to a child less than 12 years of age and do not give regular or chewable tablets or liquid to a child less than six years of age unless directed to do so by a doctor.

Storage Conditions:
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.
3. Do not allow the liquid to freeze.