• Basic Info
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• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

CHLORPHENIRAMINE (klor fen IR a meen) is an antihistamine. It is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes from allergies or a cold. It is also used to treat the symptoms an allergic reaction. This medicine will not treat an infection.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• glaucoma
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• prostate trouble
• ulcers or other stomach problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for sleep or treating seizures
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• medicines for allergies
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for sleep
• some antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, imipenem, vancomycin

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Last Updated: March 23, 2009