Phena-Plus

Generic name: chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine [ KLOR-fen-IR-a-meen, FEN-il-EF-rin, pir-IL-a-meen ]
Brand names: Chlorex-A 12, Conal, Nalex A 12, MyHist-PD, Phena-Plus, ... show all 8 brands Phena-S, Poly Hist PD (old formulation), Ru-Hist Forte
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 1, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Phena-Plus?

Phena-Plus is a combination medicine used to relieve the symptoms of coughs, colds, and allergies.

Phena-Plus may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Phena-Plus 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.

Phena-Plus may cause serious side effects. Stop using Phena-Plus and call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, hallucinations;

• feeling nervous or irritable;

• trouble sleeping;

• little or no urination;

• a seizure (convulsions);

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or

• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of Phena-Plus may include:

• nausea, constipation, loss of appetite;

• rash or itching;

• increased sweating;

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;

• blurred vision;

• headache, dizziness; or

• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

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

You should not use Phena-Plus if you have severe coronary artery disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid, asthma, pneumonia, or other breathing problems.

Do not use Phena-Plus 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, and tranylcypromine.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.

Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Phena-Plus 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, and tranylcypromine. Wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you take this medicine.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, pyrilamine, or to other decongestants, or if you have:

• severe coronary artery disease;

• diabetes;

• overactive thyroid; or

• asthma, pneumonia, or other breathing problems.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• blood circulation problems;

• glaucoma;

• an ulcer or obstruction in the stomach;

• enlarged prostate;

• bladder obstruction or other urination problems; or

• a history of seizures.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take Phena-Plus?

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

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child.

Follow all directions when giving Phena-Plus to a child. Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, fluticasone nasal, cetirizine, montelukast, diphenhydramine, promethazine, Zyrtec, Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, Promethazine DM

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take 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. An overdose can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, extreme drowsiness, confusion, ringing in your ears, tremors, seizure, dilated pupils, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.

What should I avoid while taking Phena-Plus?

Phena-Plus may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Phena-Plus could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect Phena-Plus?

Using Phena-Plus with other drugs that make you drowsy or that slow your breathing can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect Phena-Plus, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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