chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine

(klor feh NEER a meen and soo doe eh FEH drin)
Aller-Chlor Decongestant, Allerest Maximum Strength, Anamine, Anaplex, Atrohist Pediatric Capsule, Biohist LA, Brexin L.A., Chlor Trimeton Allergy Decongestant, Chlorafed, Chlordrine SR, Chlorphedrin SR, Clorfed, Codimal-LA, Cophene No. 2, Curaler, Dayquil Allergy, Deconamine, Deconomed S.R., Dura-Tap/PD, Duralex, Fedahist, Genaphed Plus, Hayfebrol Liquid, Histafed LA, Histalet, Histex, Isophen-DF, Klerist-D, Kronofed-A, ND Clear, Novafed A, Orlenta, QDall, Rescon, Rinade-B.I.D., Ryna Liquid, Sudafed Plus, Sudafed Sinus/Allergy, Sudal-12 Chewable, Suphedrine Plus, Suphenamine-SR, Tanafed, Tavist-DA, Time-Hist, Triaminic Cold and Allergy

What is the most important information I should know about chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine.

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Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

What is chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

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Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Chlorpheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

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Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to open up.

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Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

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Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

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Do not take chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

kidney disease,

liver disease,

diabetes,

glaucoma,

heart disease or high blood pressure,

thyroid disease,

emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or

difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

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You may not be able to take chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

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Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

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Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions.

How should I take chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

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Take chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Take each dose with a full glass of water.

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Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.

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Do not crush, chew, or break the long-acting or sustained-release forms of this medication. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure about the formulation of the medicine, ask your pharmacist for help.

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If you cannot swallow the tablets or capsules, look for a liquid form of the medication.

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To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

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Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm.

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Do not take chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine for longer than 7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

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Store chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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Symptoms of a chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine.

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Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

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Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine is taken with any of these medications.

What are the possible side effects of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

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Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. If you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, or hives) from this medication, stop taking chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine and seek emergency medical attention.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience

dryness of the eyes, nose, or mouth;

drowsiness or dizziness;

blurred vision;

difficulty urinating; or

excitation in children.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine written for health professionals that you may read.

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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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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.