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What is the most important information I should know about dexchlorpheniramine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dexchlorpheniramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking dexchlorpheniramine. Do not crush, chew, or break any timed-release forms of dexchlorpheniramine. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly into your body.

What is dexchlorpheniramine?

Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.

Dexchlorpheniramine is used to treat sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Dexchlorpheniramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take dexchlorpheniramine?

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

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;

• a stomach ulcer;

• an enlarged prostate, bladder problems, or difficulty urinating;

• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);

• hypertension or any type of heart problems; or

• asthma.

You may not be able to take dexchlorpheniramine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Dexchlorpheniramine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not likely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take dexchlorpheniramine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines, and serious side effects could occur in a nursing baby. Dexchlorpheniramine is not recommended if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not take dexchlorpheniramine without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from dexchlorpheniramine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take dexchlorpheniramine?

Take dexchlorpheniramine exactly as directed by your doctor. 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.

Dexchlorpheniramine can be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break any timed-release forms of dexchlorpheniramine. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly into your body.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the syrup form of dexchlorpheniramine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. The regular-release tablets and the syrup are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed (four to six times a day). The timed-release tablets and capsules are usually taken every 8 to 10 hours as needed (two or three times a day).

Store dexchlorpheniramine 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 your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.