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Chlorpheniramine for Allergies
from eMedTV.comChlorpheniramine is an antihistamine medication. It is available by itself (in various non-prescription medications) or in combination with other active ingredients (in various prescription and non-prescription medications). Although many people use chlorpheniramine for allergies, the drug is approved for the treatment of the common cold and hives as well.
Chlorpheniramine is part of a class of drugs called antihistamines. Specifically, it is an H1 receptor antagonist. This means that it blocks a specific type of histamine receptor in the body known as H1 receptors. Since allergic reactions are partly caused by the release of histamine from certain cells in the body, this medication can help relieve or prevent allergy symptoms.
(Click What Is Chlorpheniramine Used For? for more information on how chlorpheniramine works for allergies, possible off-label uses for this drug, and if this medication should be given to young children.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD