How should this medicine be used?
Chlorpheniramine comes as a extended-release (long-acting) tablet and capsule, a regular tablet and capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, and syrup to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4-6 hours or twice a day, in the morning and evening, as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take chlorpheniramine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets and do not open extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.
Do not give extended-release tablets or capsules to a child less than 12 years of age and do not give regular or chewable tablets or liquid to a child less than 6 years of age unless directed to do so by a doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking chlorpheniramine,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other medications for colds, hay fever, or allergies; medications for depression or seizures; muscle relaxants; narcotics (pain medications); sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins. Do not take chlorpheniramine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] in the last 2 weeks.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, glaucoma, ulcers, diabetes, difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking chlorpheniramine, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking chlorpheniramine.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from chlorpheniramine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
* dry mouth, nose, and throat
* upset stomach
* headache
* chest congestion
* diarrhea
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* vision problems
* difficulty urinating
* difficulty breathing
* muscle weakness
* prolonged drowsiness
* excitement (especially in children)
* dizziness
* skin rash
