Chlorpheniramine

What is Chlorpheniramine?[edit | edit source]

Chlorpheniramine is a first generation antihistamines, relieves red, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; itchy nose or throat; and runny nose caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

3-(4-chlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)propan-1-amine 200

Chlorphenamine

Chlorphenamine molecule ball

What are the uses of this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Chlorpheniramine is used for the temporarily relief of symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:

sneezing
runny nose
itchy, watery eyes
itching of the nose or throat

Chlorpheniramine helps control the symptoms of cold or allergies but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery.

How does this medicine work?[edit | edit source]

A synthetic alkylamine derivative used in allergic reactions, hay fever, rhinitis, urticaria, and asthma, antihistamine Chlorpheniramine Maleate acts as a competitive histamine H1 receptor antagonist, and displays anticholinergic and mild sedative effects as well.

Who Should Not Use this medicine ?[edit | edit source]

This medicine cannot be used in patients with:

in nursing mothers.
in Lower Respiratory Disease

Antihistamines are also contraindicated in the following conditions:

Hypersensitivity to clemastine fumarate or other antihistamines of similar chemical structure.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy.

What drug interactions can this medicine cause?[edit | edit source]

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Be sure to mention any of the following:

other medications for colds, hay fever, or allergies
medications for anxiety, depression, or seizures
muscle relaxants
narcotic medications for pain; sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers.

Is this medicine FDA approved?[edit | edit source]

Chlorpheniramine was patented in 1948 and came into medical use in 1949.
It is available as a generic medication and over the counter.

How should this medicine be used?[edit | edit source]

Recommended dosage:

Adults and children 12 years and over: 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours
Children 6 to under 12 years of age: ½ tablet (break tablet in half) every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 3 whole tablets in 24 hours
Children under 6 years of age: ask a doctor

Administration:

Chlorpheniramine comes as a tablet, a capsule, an extended-release 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 tablets and capsules are usually taken twice a day in the morning and evening as needed.
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.
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 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.

What are the dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?[edit | edit source]

This medicine is available in fallowing doasage form:

As a tablet, a capsule, an extended-release tablet and capsule, a chewable tablet, and a liquid

This medicine is available in fallowing brand namesː

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

What side effects can this medication cause?[edit | edit source]

The most common side effects of this medicine include:

sedation, impairment of motor function, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth and throat, palpitations, tachycardia, abdominal distress, constipation and headache.

Antihistamines can worsen urinary retention and glaucoma.

Less common, but serious side effects may include:

vision problems
difficulty urinating

What special precautions should I follow?[edit | edit source]

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or other types of lung disease; glaucoma; ulcers; diabetes; difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland); heart disease; high blood pressure; seizures; or an overactive thyroid gland.
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking chlorpheniramine.
Chlorpheniramine may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking chlorpheniramine. alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking chlorpheniramine if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take chlorpheniramine because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
Clinically apparent liver injury from brompheniramine or chlorpheniramine must be exceeding rare, if it occurs at all.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?[edit | edit source]

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline of your country. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose related information is also available online at poisonhelp.org/help.
In the event that the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services. In the United States, call 911.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?[edit | edit source]

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.

Can this medicine be used in children?[edit | edit source]

Children under 6 years of age: ask a doctor

What are the active and inactive ingredients in this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Active ingredient:

CHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE

Inactive ingredients:

D&C YELLOW NO. 10
LACTOSE, UNSPECIFIED FORM
MAGNESIUM STEARATE
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE
STEARIC ACID

Who manufactures and distributes this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Manufactured by:

KVK-Tech, Inc.
Newtown, PA

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?[edit | edit source]

store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) with excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F)
protect from excessive moisture.

First Generation Antihistamines

Second Generation Antihistamines

Chlorpheniramine Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.