Chlorpheniramine Side Effects

Drowsiness or fatigue, abdominal pain, and sore throat are some of the common side effects that have been seen with chlorpheniramine. Side effects of the medication are often mild and typically do not require medical attention. However, certain side effects are potentially serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider, including double vision, loss of balance, and difficulty passing urine.

An Introduction to Side Effects of Chlorpheniramine

Just like any medicine, chlorpheniramine (an active ingredient in Chlor-Trimeton®, Tussionex®, and many other medications) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, some people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with chlorpheniramine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of chlorpheniramine side effects with you.)
 

Serious Chlorpheniramine Side Effects

Some side effects with chlorpheniramine are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. Although generally rare, some of these side effects may actually be fairly common, particularly in young children or the elderly. These include but are not limited to:
 
  • Confusion
  • Double vision
  • Loss of balance, especially if accompanied by ringing of the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Hallucinations or delirium
  • Worsening of glaucoma
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
 
    • An unexplained rash
    • Itching
    • Hives
    • Swelling of the mouth or throat
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing.
 
(Chlorpheniramine Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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