What Is Chlorpheniramine?
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.
Just like any medicine, chlorpheniramine can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. 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. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of chlorpheniramine include but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Nervousness or excitability
- Dry mouth.
(Click Chlorpheniramine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking chlorpheniramine if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How Does Chlorpheniramine Work?
Chlorpheniramine is part of a class of drugs called antihistamines. Specifically, it is an H1 receptor antagonist. This means 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.
When and How to Take This Drug
General considerations for those taking chlorpheniramine include the following:
- This medication comes in different forms (tablets, capsules, or liquid). It is taken by mouth every 4 to 12 hours, depending on the particular product.
- You can take chlorpheniramine with food or on an empty stomach. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with a little food.
- Because several different chlorpheniramine products are available, be sure to follow the dosing instructions for your particular product.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
The recommended dose of chlorpheniramine will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular product
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age
- How you respond to chlorpheniramine
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Chlorpheniramine Drug Interactions
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose with chlorpheniramine can cause serious problems. If you happen to take too much of this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should This Medication Be Stored?
Chlorpheniramine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
For people who take this medication on a regular schedule (such as for
allergy treatment), if you do not take your chlorpheniramine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Strengths of Chlorpheniramine
There are a few different basic strengths of chlorpheniramine, including:
Chlorpheniramine is also an active ingredient in many different combination products.
