Chlorpheniramine (By Mouth)

Chlorpheniramine (klor-fen-IR-a-meen)

Treats hay fever and other types of allergies. Belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines.

Brand Name(s):

C.P.M. Tablets, Chlorphen, Chlor-Phen, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Aller-Chlor, Teldrin HBP, Diabetic Tussin Allergy Relief
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic-type reaction to any antihistamine such as chlorpheniramine, or to brompheniramine, dexchlorpheniramine, or triprolidine. Do not give the 8 or 12 hour allergy tablets to children under 12 years of age, or the 4 hour tablet to children under 6 years of age unless your doctor tells you to.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Chewable Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine.
• Do not chew or crush the extended-release tablet.

If a dose is missed:

• Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor-type medicines such as isocarboxazid (Marplan®), phenelzine (Nardil), or Eldepryl®.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Avoid taking medicines such as sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, narcotic pain killers, or antidepressants while you are taking chlorpheniramine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma, a kidney disease, enlarged prostate, asthma, or stomach ulcer.
• Check with your doctor if you will be having surgery and general anesthesia within 2 months of taking chlorpheniramine.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Be careful when driving or using machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Severe drowsiness
• Unexplained high fever with sore throat
• Hallucinations
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Trouble urinating - less than 1 cup (8 ounces) of urine in one day

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Clumsiness
• Thick mucus
• Nervousness
• Upset stomach

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.