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Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine

Generic name: chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine [ klor-feh-NEER-a-meen, dex-tro-meh-THOR-fan, and-soo-doe-eh-FEH-drin ]
Brand names: Rescon-DM, Triaminic Softchew Cold and Cough, Kidkare Cough/Cold, Rescon-DM, Triaminic Cold and Cough, ... show all 37 brands
Dosage forms: oral liquid (2 mg-10 mg-30 mg/5 mL), oral tablet, chewable (1 mg-5 mg-15 mg)
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 31, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant.

Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

Liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion:

Oral liquid (2 mg chlorpheniramine/ 10 mg dextromethorphan / 30 mg pseudoephedrine per 5 mL): 10 mL orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 4 doses per 24 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion:

Oral liquid (2 mg chlorpheniramine/ 10 mg dextromethorphan / 30 mg pseudoephedrine per 5 mL):
6 to 11 years: 5 to 10 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours
12 and older: 10 mL orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 4 doses per 24 hours

Bromfed DM, Mucinex D, Promethazine VC with Codeine, Resperal-DM

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. This medicine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

What other drugs will affect chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Does chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed interaction report.

Further information

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.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.