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Dexchlorpheniramine extended-release tablets

What are Dexchlorpheniramine extended-release tablets?

DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE is an antihistamine. It is used to treat a runny nose from a cold, or symptoms of allergic reactions like hives, rash, itching, runny nose, and swelling or itching of the eyes. This medicine may also be used with other medicines to treat more serious allergic reactions. Generic dexchlorpheniramine extended-release tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Dexchlorpheniramine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • asthma or other lung disease like emphysema or bronchitis

  • bladder problems

  • glaucoma

  • heart failure

  • high blood pressure or heart disease

  • irregular heart beat

  • liver disease

  • pain or difficulty passing urine

  • prostate trouble

  • ulcers or other stomach problems

  • an unusual reaction to dexchlorpheniramine, chlorpheniramine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Take with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Swallow the tablets whole, do not crush or chew. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Children less than 6 years should not receive extended-release dexchlorpheniramine tablets.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Dexchlorpheniramine?

  • alcohol

  • barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

  • disopyramide

  • doxercalciferol

  • medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam

  • medicines for hay fever and other allergies

  • medicines for mental depression, especially isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, or tranylcypromine

  • medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

  • medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems

  • medicines for upset stomach or vomiting

  • medicines for pain

  • muscle relaxers

  • stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Dexchlorpheniramine?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 1 or 2 days.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may be more sensitive to the effects of the sun and ultraviolet light while taking this medicine. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking dexchlorpheniramine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Dexchlorpheniramine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • agitation, nervousness, excitability, not able to sleep (these are more likely in children)

  • blurred vision

  • confusion

  • fainting spells

  • fever, sore throat, or unexplained bruising or bleeding

  • irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain

  • muscle or facial twitches

  • pain or difficulty passing urine

  • seizures (convulsions)

  • severe allergic reaction (i.e. difficulty breathing, wheezing)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • drowsiness, dizziness

  • dry mouth or dry eyes

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Dexchlorpheniramine oral syrup

What is Dexchlorpheniramine syrup?

DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE is an antihistamine. It is used to treat a runny nose from a cold, or symptoms of allergic reactions like hives, rash, itching, runny nose, and swelling or itching of the eyes. This medicine may also be used with other medicines to treat more serious allergic reactions. Generic dexchlorpheniramine syrup is available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Dexchlorpheniramine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • asthma or other lung disease like emphysema or bronchitis

  • bladder problems

  • glaucoma

  • heart failure

  • high blood pressure or heart disease

  • irregular heart beat

  • liver disease

  • pain or difficulty passing urine

  • prostate trouble

  • ulcers or other stomach problems

  • an unusual reaction to dexchlorpheniramine, chlorpheniramine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Take with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Children less than 2 years should not receive dexchlorpheniramine syrup.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Dexchlorpheniramine?

  • alcohol

  • barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

  • disopyramide

  • doxercalciferol

  • medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam

  • medicines for hay fever and other allergies

  • medicines for mental depression, especially isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine

  • medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

  • medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems

  • medicines for upset stomach or vomiting

  • medicines for pain

  • muscle relaxers

  • stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Dexchlorpheniramine?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 1 or 2 days.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may be more sensitive to the effects of the sun and ultraviolet light while taking this medicine. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking dexchlorpheniramine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Dexchlorpheniramine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • agitation, nervousness, excitability, not able to sleep (these are more likely in children)

  • blurred vision

  • confusion

  • fainting spells

  • fever, sore throat, or unexplained bruising or bleeding

  • irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain

  • muscle or facial twitches

  • pain or difficulty passing urine

  • seizures (convulsions)

  • severe allergic reaction (i.e. difficulty breathing, wheezing)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • drowsiness, dizziness

  • dry mouth or dry eyes

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Date Last Modified: 9/18/2006

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