What is Chlorpheniramine?
Chlorpheniramine medication is an antihistamine which helps in reducing the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine will cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes and runny nose.
Chlorpheniramine tablets are used for treating
- Runny nose,
- Sneezing,
- Itching and Watery eyes
which are caused due to various allergic reactions, the common cold and the flu.
Chlorpheniramine Uses
- Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that alleviates symptoms like red, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose caused by allergies, fever, and the common cold.
- It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body responsible for allergic symptoms.
- Chlorpheniramine is not intended to expedite recovery but rather to manage symptoms.
- It is not recommended to use cough and cold products in children under 6 years old without physician direction.
- Certain long-acting formulations may not be suitable for children under 12 years old.
- Carefully follow dosage instructions to minimize the risk of serious side effects.
- Avoid giving other cough and cold medicines containing similar ingredients to avoid potential drug interactions.
- Consult a doctor or pharmacist for alternative methods to relieve cough and cold symptoms, such as hydration and nasal saline drops/sprays.
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Get A Second OpinionChlorpheniramine Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Chlorpheniramine are:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth, nose and throat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Headache
- Increased chest congestion
Some of the serious side effects of Chlorpheniramine are:
- Vision problems
- Difficulty Urinating
If you experience serious symptoms, contact your doctor promptly. If you have any adverse reactions to Chlorpheniramine, avoid using it. In most cases, the benefits of this medication outweigh the side effects, and serious side effects are uncommon. However, seek medical assistance immediately if you experience any severe side effects.
Precautions while taking Chlorpheniramine
- Before taking Chlorpheniramine talk to your doctor if you’re allergic to it or any other medications.
- The medication may contain some inactive ingredients that can cause some serious problems in your body.
- Talk to the doctor if you are taking any prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products.
- If you are having any of the following problems like colds, fever, allergies, anxiety and depression.
Talk to the medication if you have any of the following diseases:
Interactions
Maintain a comprehensive list of all medications, including prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products, and discuss them with your doctor and pharmacist. Always seek approval from your doctor before starting, stopping, or adjusting the dosage of any medication. Inform your doctor about any products that may interact with Chlorpheniramine, such as antihistamines applied to the skin, and medications causing drowsiness, like opioid pain relievers, cough pain relievers, alcohol, and marijuana.
How to take Chlorpheniramine?
- Chlorpheniramine is available in various forms including tablets, capsules, extended-release tablets, chewable tablets, and liquids.
- The regular capsules, tablets, and liquids should be taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- Extended-release tablets are typically taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, as required.
- It's important to adhere to the dosage instructions provided on the prescription label, and consult your doctor if clarification is needed.
- Chlorpheniramine may be combined with fever and pain reducers, expectorants, cough suppressants, and decongestants for enhanced efficacy.
- Consult your doctor for advice on the best usage of medications for optimal results.
- Avoid giving chlorpheniramine products intended for adults to children, and ensure the dosage matches the child's age as indicated in the table.
- Over-the-counter cough and cold combination products containing chlorpheniramine may pose serious risks to young children, including death.
Dosage of Chlorpheniramine
- Brand Name : Chlorpheniramine, Diabetic Tussin
- Generic name : Chlorpheniramine
- Drug Class : Atihistamines, 1st generation
- Tablets : 4 mg, 8 mg, 12 mg
- Syrup : 2 mcg/ 5 mL
- Suspension : 2 mg/ mL
- Adult
Tablets/ syrup: 4 mg orally in every 4-6 hours
- Extended-release tablets : 8 mg orally in every 8-12 hours
- Extended-release capsules : 12 mg orally once in a day
- Sustained-release capsules : 8-12 mg orally in every 8- 12 hours of gap.
- Pediatri
- Children over 12 years : Tablets or syrup : 4 mg orally every 4-6 hours; do not exceed 24 mg / day
- Prolonged-release tablets : 8 mg orally every 8-12 hours or 12 mg every 12 hours; do not exceed 24 mg / day
- Extended-release capsules : 12 mg orally once a day; do not exceed 24 mg / day
- Geriatri 4 mg orally once a day or every 12 hours
- Sustained-release 8 mg orally at bedtime
- Avoid use in the elderly due to the high incidence of anticholinergic effects.
- Reduced clearance with older age, increased risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects and toxicity
Allergic Rhinitis
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Chlorpheniramine tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two doses of Chlorpheniramine typically has no effect on the body and does not cause any problems. However, for some medications, timely dosage is crucial for effectiveness. If a dose is missed, your doctor may recommend taking it as soon as possible to avoid any sudden chemical changes in the body.
Warnings
This medicine contains chlorpheniramine. Do not take ChlorTrimeton or Diabetic Tussin if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or any ingredient contained in this medicine.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Use chlorpheniramine with caution during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Animal studies show risk and no human studies are available or no animal or human studies were conducted. The excretion of chlorpheniramine in milk is unknown.
Storage
Store chlorpheniramine away from heat, air, and light to prevent damage and potential harmful effects. Keep it out of children's reach and store it at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC). Before taking chlorpheniramine, consult your doctor, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any side effects. When travelling, carry your medication in your bag to be prepared for emergencies. Always follow your prescription and your doctor's advice when taking chlorpheniramine.
Chlorpheniramine vs Cetirizine
| Chlorpheniramine | Cetirizine |
|---|---|
| Chlorpheniramine medication is an antihistamine which helps in reducing the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine will cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes and runny nose. Chlorpheniramine tablets are used for treating runny nose, sneezing, itching and watery eyes which are caused due to various allergic reactions, the common cold and the flu. | Cetirizine tablets are an antihistamine which are used for relieving the allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/ nose, hives and itching. |
Some of the common side effects of Chlorpheniramine are:
|
Some of the serious side effects of cetirizine are:
|
| Chlorpheniramine relieves red, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, itchy nose or throat and runny nose which are caused due to allergies, fever and the common cold. Chlorpheniramine helps in controlling the symptoms of cold and allergies. But medication will not help in speedy recovery. Chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of drug called antihistamines. | Cetirizine does not prevent hives but it treats serious allergic reactions. |
Citations
Functional neuroimaging of cognition impaired by a classical antihistamine, d-chlorpheniramine, ID:10.1038/sj.bjp.0702994 Release of Chlorpheniramine Maleate from Fatty Acid Ester Matrix Disks Prepared by Melt-extrusion, ID:10.1111/j.2042-7158.1991.tb03492.x Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of chlorpheniramine in children, ID:10.1016/0091-6749(82)90149-XReady to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Chlorpheniramine relieves red, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, itchy nose or throat and runny nose which are caused due to allergies, fever and the common cold. Chlorpheniramine helps in controlling the symptoms of cold and allergies. But medication will not help in speedy recovery. Chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of drug called antihistamines.
Piriton is a brand name for antihistamine called Chlorpheniramine. It can be purchased over-the-counter from pharmacies for relieving allergic reactions and itching. The medicine can make you sleep.
If you take too much of Chlorpheniramine then it can lead to sleepiness, confusion, weakness, blurred vision, large pupils, dry mouth and insomnia.
Avoid using Chlorpheniramine for a longer or smaller period of time. Chlorpheniramine is usually taken only for a short time until the major symptoms are clear up.
Chlorpheniramine maleate is an antihistamine medication commonly used to treat allergy symptoms. While some individuals may misuse it for its sedative effects, it is not typically considered to produce a "high" and can have serious side effects if abused.
Chlorpheniramine is contraindicated in asthma due to its potential to thicken respiratory secretions and worsen airway obstruction. It can exacerbate breathing difficulties and may trigger asthma attacks in some individuals.
