Uses
Allergic Rhinitis
Symptomatic relief of allergic symptoms (e.g., rhinorrhea, sneezing, oronasopharyngeal irritation or itching, lacrimation, red, irritated, or itching eyes) caused by histamine release.
Used in fixed combination with other agents (e.g., acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, ibuprofen, methscopolamine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine) for relief of rhinorrhea, sneezing, lacrimation, itching eyes, oronasopharyngeal itching, and/or other symptoms (e.g., nasal/sinus congestion, cough) associated with seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis and nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis.
Use fixed-combination preparations only when symptoms amenable to each ingredient are present concurrently.
Dosage and Administration
Administration
Oral Administration
Administer orally.
May be administered as self-medication in adults and children >2 years of age.
Administer to children ≤2 years of age only under direction of a clinician. Administer extended-release tablets to children 2 to ≤6 years of age under the direction of a clinician.
May split certain commercially available extended-release tablets preparations (e.g., Extendryl®) in half; however, do not crush or chew the tablets. Consult manufacturer's product labeling for appropriate administration of the specific preparation.
Take extended-release core tablets with fluid and swallow whole; do not divide, crush, chew, or dissolve. Matrix core of the tablets does not completely dissolve and may be passed in the stool.
Extended-release core tablets should not be used in children <12 years of age.
Dosage
Individualize dosage according to patient's response and tolerance.
Fixed-combination preparations do not permit individual titration of dosages. When used in fixed combination with other agents (e.g., acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, ibuprofen, methscopolamine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine), select a dosage that is within the usual therapeutic range for each ingredient. Lower maximum daily chlorpheniramine dosages may be necessary because of other ingredients included in the formulations. Because combinations and dosage strengths vary for fixed-combination preparations, consult manufacturer's product labeling for appropriate dosage of the specific preparation.
Pediatric Patients
Allergic Rhinitis
Oral
Children 2 to <6 years of age: 1 mg every 4–6 hours (as conventional formulations).
Children 6 to <12 years of age: 2 mg every 4–6 hours (as conventional formulations) or 8 mg (as extended-release tablets) once daily at bedtime or during the day, as indicated.
Children ≥12 years of age: 4 mg every 4–6 hours (as conventional formulations) or 8 or 12 mg (as extended-release tablets) twice daily in the morning and evening or 16 mg (as extended-release core tablet) once daily.
Adults
Allergic Rhinitis
Oral
4 mg every 4–6 hours (as conventional formulations) or 8 or 12 mg (as extended-release tablets) twice daily in the morning and evening or 16 mg (as extended-release core tablets) once daily.
Prescribing Limits
Pediatric Patients
Allergic Rhinitis
Oral
Children 2 to <6 years of age: Maximum 6 mg daily (as conventional formulations).
Children 6 to <12 years of age: Maximum 12 mg daily (as conventional formulations) or maximum 8 mg daily (as extended-release tablets).
Children ≥12 years of age: Maximum 24 mg daily (as immediate-release formulations or extended-release tablets) or maximum 16 mg daily (as extended-release core tablet).
Adults
Allergic Rhinitis
Oral
Maximum 24 mg daily (as conventional formulations or extended-release tablets) or maximum 16 mg daily (extended-release core tablets).
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