Chlorpheniramine

For Allergic Rhinitis, the usual dose for adults and children 12 years of age and over is 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours. For the extended-release tablets, the usual dose for adults and children 12 years of age and older is 12 mg every 12 hours. The maximum recommended dose is 24 mg within a 24-hour period.

For the prevention of seasonal allergic rhinitis, the recommended starting dose is 4 mg at bedtime, which can be increased to 8 mg 3 times a day as needed over a 2-week period.

For children between 6 and 11 years of age, the usual recommended dose is 2 mg every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum recommended dose is 12 mg within a 24-hour period. Chlorpheniramine is not recommended for children under 6 years of age unless recommended by a doctor.

Seniors may need lower doses of Chlorpheniramine.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Chlorpheniramine exactly as suggested by your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Chlorpheniramine at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause dryness of the mouth; it may cause headaches; it may cause diarrhea; it may cause drowsiness or dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause unusual tiredness. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Chlorpheniramine is available as a 4 mg tablet.

Do not take Chlorpheniramine if you:

• are allergic to chlorpheniramine or any ingredients of Chlorpheniramine
• are taking a MAO inhibitor (e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Moclobemide)

Do not give Chlorpheniramine to newborns or premature infants.

There may be an interaction between chlorpheniramine and any of the following:

• alcohol
• barbiturates (e.g., Phenobarbital, pentobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Lorazepam, Diazepam)
• clarithromycin
• erythromycin
• ketoconazole
• MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide)
• medications with anticholinergic effects (e.g., Benztropine, Diphenhydramine)
• narcotic analgesics (e.g., Codeine, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• neuroleptic medications (e.g., Haloperidol, Risperidone)
• Phenytoin
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Desipramine)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Chlorpheniramine. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Chlorpheniramine.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Chlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you have determined that you do not become drowsy during the day or experience impaired mental or physical abilities while taking Chlorpheniramine.

Liver function: If you have reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how Chlorpheniramine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Chlorpheniramine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Medical conditions: If you have any of the following medical conditions, discuss with your doctor how Chlorpheniramine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Chlorpheniramine, and whether any special monitoring is needed:

• angle-closure Glaucoma
• chronic lung conditions such as Asthma, chronic Bronchitis, or emphysema
• enlarged prostate
• heart disease
• obstructed bladder
• obstruction of the intestines
• peptic ulcer disease
• seizures

Pregnancy: Chlorpheniramine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Chlorpheniramine, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Chlorpheniramine passes into breast milk, but it does not appear to have serious or harmful effects on breast-feeding infants. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Chlorpheniramine have not been established for children less than 6 years old.

Seniors: Seniors may experience more side effects (e.g., drowsiness, dry mouth, difficulty urinating) with Chlorpheniramine. Chlorpheniramine should be not be used by seniors unless recommended by a doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional.

This medication is typically used 4 times a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Generally, it is used only as needed. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. This medication may be taken with or without food. Consuming alcohol may intensify the effect of this product. It is therefore advisable to avoid consuming alcohol or alcohol-containing products while taking this medication.