What is chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine?
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring
chemical histamine in the body. Chlorpheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and
nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It suppresses an area in the brain that causes
coughing.
Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and
arteries). This reduces the blood flow and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to
open up.
Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine is used to treat nasal
congestion, sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), and coughs associated with allergies, hay
fever, and the common cold.
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased
risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in
women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain
phenylpropanolamine.
Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine may also be used for
purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine?
Do not take chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine if you have
taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine
(Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could
occur, leading to serious side effects.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
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kidney disease,
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liver disease,
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diabetes,
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glaucoma,
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any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,
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thyroid disease,
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emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or
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difficulty urinating or have an enlarged prostate.
You may not be able to take
chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine
will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant.
This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take
this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects
from chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine. You may require a lower dose
of this medication.
Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before
treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of
medicines and may have unusual reactions.
How should I take chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine?
Take chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine exactly as directed. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of
chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine with a special dose-measuring spoon
or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your
pharmacist where you can get one.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this
medication can cause serious harm.
Do not take chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine for longer than 7
days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, talk to
your doctor.
Store chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine at room
temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
take a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine?
Your pharmacist has information about chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine?
Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking
chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine and seek emergency medical
attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine and talk to your doctor or try another
similar medication if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine?
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased
risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in
women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain
phenylpropanolamine.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or
drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not
improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or
drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are
taking chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine.
What other drugs will affect chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine?
Do not take chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine if you have
taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine
(Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could
occur, leading to serious side effects.
Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking
chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine without first talking to your doctor or
pharmacist. Other medications may also contain chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan,
phenylpropanolamine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally take too much of these
medicines.
Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine may increase the effects of
other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain
relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation,
dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine
is taken with any of these medications.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine?