chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine

Generic name: chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine [ klor-feh-NEER-a-meen-and-feh-nill-proe-pa-NO-la-meen ]
Brand names: A.R.M. Allergy Relief, Allerest 12 Hour, Chlornade, Condrin, Contac 12 Hour, ... show all 24 brands Decongex-3, Demazin, Dura-Vent/A, Equi-Nade, Genamin, Gencold, Histade, Or-Phen-Ade, Ordrine, Ornade Spansules, Resaid, Rescon Liquid, Rhinolar-EX, Teldrin, Triac, Triaminic, Vanex Forte-R, Rhinolar-EX 12, Triaminic Cold Syrup
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

What is chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine?

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.

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

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

Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.

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

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

Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.

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

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

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

Who should not take chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine?

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

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease,

• liver disease,

• diabetes,

• glaucoma,

• any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,

• thyroid disease,

• emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or

• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

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

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

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

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

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 phenylpropanolamine?

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

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

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

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

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine 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.

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

Do not take chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine 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.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

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?

Seek emergency medical attention.

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

Related/similar drugs

diphenhydramine, Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, Promethazine DM, Banophen, echinacea

What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine?

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

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

Chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine 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 phenylpropanolamine is taken with any of these medications.

Chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine side effects

Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

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

• dryness of the eyes, nose, and mouth;

• drowsiness or dizziness;

• blurred vision;

• difficulty urinating; or

• excitation in children.

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 phenylpropanolamine?

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

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

Chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine 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 phenylpropanolamine is taken with any of these medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Further information

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

What does my medication look like?

Many formulations of chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine are available both over-the-counter and with a prescription. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

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.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.05. Revision Date: 4/26/06 4:12:59 PM.