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AHFS Consumer Medication Information
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®2009
consumer health

Chlorpheniramine

01122008a682543
Last Update: December 1, 2008.
Antihistamine Drugssystemic, oral

(klor fen ir' a meen)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Chlorpheniramine relieves red, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; itchy nose or throat; and runny nose caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. Chlorpheniramine helps control the symptoms of cold or allergies but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Chlorpheniramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

How should this medicine be used?

Chlorpheniramine comes as a tablet, a capsule, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet and capsule, a chewable tablet, and a liquid to take by mouth. The regular capsules and tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The extended-release (long-acting) tablets and capsules are usually taken twice a day in the morning and evening as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take chlorpheniramine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Chlorpheniramine comes alone and in combination with fever and pain reducers, expectorants, cough suppressants, and decongestants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which product is best for your symptoms. Check nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before using 2 or more products at the same time. These products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and taking them together could cause you to receive an overdose.This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child.

Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including products that contain chlorpheniramine, can cause serious side effects or death in young children. Do not give these products to children younger than 4 years of age. If you give these products to children 4-11 years of age, use caution and follow the package directions carefully.

If you are giving chlorpheniramine or a combination product that contains chlorpheniramine to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age. Do not give chlorpheniramine products that are made for adults to children.

Before you give a chlorpheniramine product to a child, check the package label to find out how much medication the child should receive. Give the dose that matches the child's age on the chart. Ask the child's doctor if you don't know how much medication to give the child.

If you are taking the liquid, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. Use the measuring spoon or cup that came with the medication or use a spoon made especially for measuring medication.

If you are using the extended-release tablets or capsules, swallow them whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open them.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking chlorpheniramine,

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Chlorpheniramine is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take chlorpheniramine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Chlorpheniramine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about chlorpheniramine.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

Aller-Chlor®

Aller-Chlor® Syrup

Chlo-Amine®

Chlor-Trimeton® 12 Hour Allergy

Chlor-Trimeton® 4 Hour Allergy

Chlor-Trimeton® 8 Hour Allergy

Chlor-Trimeton® Allergy Syrup

Polaramine®

Polaramine® Repetabs®

Polaramine® Syrup

Teldrin® Allergy

Brand names of combination products

Actifed® Cold and Allergy (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Actifed® Cold and Sinus (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, and Acetaminophen)

Ah-Chew® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Alka-Seltzer Plus® Cold Medicine Liqui-Gels® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Allerest® Maximum Strength (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Atrohist® Pediatric (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Brexin® L.A. (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Chlordrine® S.R. (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Chlor-Phed® Timecelles® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Chlor-Trimeton® 12 Hour Allergy Decongestant (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate)

Chlor-Trimeton® 4 Hour Allergy Decongestant (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate)

Comhist® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Phenyltoloxamine Citrate)

Comtrex® Allergy-Sinus Maximum Strength Tablets (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Coricidin® HBP® Cold & Flu (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Acetaminophen)

D.A. Chewable® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

D.A. II® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Dallergy® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Dallergy® Caplets® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Dallergy® Syrup (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Deconamine® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Deconamine® SR (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Deconamine® Syrup (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Dristan® Cold (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Dura-Vent® DA (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

EX-Histine® Syrup (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Extendryl® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Extendryl® Jr. (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Extendryl® Sr. (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Extendryl® Syrup (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Flu-Relief® Caplets® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Histalet® Syrup (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Kolephrin® Caplets® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Kronofed-A® Kronocaps® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Kronofed-A-Jr.® Kronocaps® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Mescolor® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

ND Clear® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

ND-Gesic® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Pyrilamine Maleate)

Novahistine® Elixir (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Omnihist® LA (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Polaramine® Expectorant (as a combination product containing Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate)

Protid® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

Rescon® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Rescon® JR (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Rescon®-ED (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Rhinatate® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

R-Tannate® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

R-Tannate® Pediatric (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

Ryna® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Rynatan® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

Rynatan® Pediatric (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

Rynatan®-S Pediatric (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

Sinarest® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Sinarest® Extra Strength Caplets® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Sine-Off® Sinus Medicine Caplets® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Singlet® Caplets® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Sinutab® Sinus Allergy Maximum Strength Caplets® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Sinutab® Sinus Allergy Maximum Strength Tablets (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Sudafed® Cold & Allergy (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Tanafed® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate and Pseudoephedrine Tannate)

Tanoral® Pediatric (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

Tanoral®-S Pediatric (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

TheraFlu® Flu and Cold Medicine (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

TheraFlu® Flu and Cold Medicine for Sore Throat Maximum Strength (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Triaminic® Cold & Allergy Softchews® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Triotann® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

Triotann® Pediatric (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

Triotann®-S Pediatric (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

Triple Tannate® Pediatric Suspension (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)

Tussi-12® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Carbetapentane Tannate, and Phenylephrine Tannate)

Tylenol® Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength Caplets® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Tylenol® Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength Gelcaps® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Tylenol® Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength Geltabs® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Tylenol® Cold Multi-Symptom Children's (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)

Vanex® Forte-R (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)

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AHFS Consumer Medication Information2009
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