Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine medication used as an active ingredient in many different non-prescription products (such as Chlor-Trimeton
®) and prescription drugs (such as Tussionex
®). It is used to treat
allergies such as
hay fever, hives, and the
common cold. There are a few different basic strengths of chlorpheniramine, including:
- Chlorpheniramine 4 mg immediate-release tablets
- Chlorpheniramine 8 mg or 12 mg extended-release capsules or tablets
- Chlorpheniramine liquid (8 mg per 5 mL)
- Chlorpheniramine liquid (2 mg per 5 mL).
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, chlorpheniramine can help relieve or prevent
allergy symptoms.
Chlorpheniramine also blocks acetylcholine receptors, an action that produces some of the unpleasant side effects of the medication, such as dry mouth or difficulty urinating, but also helps to relieve a runny nose.
(Click Chlorpheniramine for more information on when and how to take chlorpheniramine liquid, tablets, or capsules; to learn more about the effects of this medication; and to find out what you should be aware of before starting treatment.)
