Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine drug approved to treat the common cold, allergies, and hives. This eMedTV resource explains how the medication works, offers general dosing information, and lists some of its potential side effects.
Common side effects of chlorpheniramine include nausea, headaches, and diarrhea. This article on the eMedTV Web site also lists some of the less common but potentially serious side effects of this medication that require medical attention.
Approved uses for chlorpheniramine include the treatment of allergies, hives, and the common cold. This eMedTV article explains how the medication works for these various conditions, lists possible off-label uses, and discusses its use in children.
There are various dosing guidelines for chlorpheniramine, depending on the product. As this eMedTV page explains, a typical dose is 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours (for immediate-release forms) or 8 to 12 mg every 8 to 12 hours (for extended-release forms).
Phenothiazine medications, MAOIs, and pramlintide may cause chlorpheniramine drug interactions. This eMedTV segment lists other medicines that may interact with chlorpheniramine and explores the potential risks of these drug interactions.
Chlorpheniramine can cause blurred vision, dizziness, and drowsiness. This article from the eMedTV site contains a list of other precautions and warnings with chlorpheniramine, including other side effects that may occur with this medication.
An overdose of chlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness, flushing, and rapid breathing. This eMedTV Web page lists other possible symptoms of an overdose and describes the steps that a healthcare provider may take to treat these symptoms.
Chlorpheniramine is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. This eMedTV page describes the studies that have been conducted on chlorpheniramine and pregnancy, and explains whether antihistamines are generally safe for pregnant women.
It is currently unknown whether chlorpheniramine passes through breast milk. This eMedTV article offers a more in-depth look at chlorpheniramine and breastfeeding, and explains how this medication could potentially affect a woman's milk supply.
