Chlorphenamine (Chlorpheniramine)

Chlorphenamine Chlorpheniramine has been used for many years to treat allergies such as rhinitis (irritation and inflammation of some internal areas of the nose) allergic conjunctiviitis, hay fever, urticaria (hives), insect stings and bites, and swellings due to an allergy. Chlorphenamine/chlorpheniramine may also be used to prevent or treat allergic reactions to a blood transfusion. Injections of chlorphenamine (chlorpheniramine) or promethazine are used as an adjunct (something added to another thing but not essential to it) to adrenaline (epinephrine) in the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and angioedema. As like other antihistamines chlorphenamine can be used to treat allergic skins symptoms such as itching swelling and redness. The drug has an anticholinergic action which suppresses mucus secretion.

For some individuals exposure to pet fur, pollen, house dust mites or an insect bite can cause the body to produce histamine. When this happens the histamine produced causes an allergic reaction such as those mentioned above including rashes, sneezing, watery eyes and a blocked nose. The purpose of antihistamines is to stop the effects of the histamine reducing the discomfort and help to-ward recovery.

Chlorphenamine sedative effects are relatively weak compared to other first-generation antihistamines. As well as being most effective for human disorders chlorpheniramine is one of the most commonly used antihistamines in small-animal veterinary practice as well.

Tixylix Warning Message: In March 2009: Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children have recently been under review in the UK. Several cough and cold medicines are no-longer available for children under six years of age. The reason given for this decision is because it is believed that there was not enough evidence in their favour that it did any good. In fact just the opposite it can potentially cause side effects such as allergic reactions, effects on sleep or hallucinations. In future all package labelling will be updated to reflect the change that it is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. It is now only available through pharmacies/chemists… April 2009…February 2010…December 2010.

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Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• antihistamine danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – NO (tablets and oral liquid).
• Prescription only drug – YES (injection).
• Available as generic – YES (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase sedative effect of drug.
• Reduced dose necessary for children.

Side Effects

You may if prescribed Chlorphenamine Chlorpheniramine suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all. It does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted side effects.

Common: Dizziness, Drowsiness
Rare: Difficulty passing water, Dry mouth, Rash, Digestive problems, Excitation in children, Blurred vision.

Drowsiness is the most common side effect of Chlorphenamine Chlorpheniramine. Its effect on the stomach may be reduced by taking either tablet or liquid with food or drink.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using Chlorphenamine Chlorpheniramine It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

If used over a period of weeks or months the effects felt may become weaker as the body adapts to the drug. It may be recommended that you transfer to another antihistamine.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Avoid driving/hazardous work until you know how Chlorphenamine Chlorpheniramine affects you has it can cause drowsiness and blurred vision. Alcohol may increase the sedative effect of this drug.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

It is not known yet known if it would be safe to take when pregnant Although the drug passes into the breast milk normal dosage would not cause a problem. Discuss both these issues with your doctor.

Chlorphenamine/Chlorpheniramine is classified as a pregnancy Category B medicine medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).. Category B… Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the foetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the foetus in any trimester.

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

See full list of things you should tell your doctor about.»

Over 60’s & Children

There could be an increased risk of side effects for the over sixties using Chlorphenamine Chlorpheniramine, a low dosage may be necessary. A reduced dosage would also be necessary for children.

Overdose

An unintentional extra dose would not be seen to cause reason for concern. However, large overdoses may cause drowsiness or agitation. Notify your doctor or go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital taking the container with you. Even if it is empty.

Other Medication Reactions

All drugs that have a sedative are likely to increase chlorphenamine. Drugs including some drugs for parkinsonism that have an anticholinergic effect may increase the anticholinergic effects of chlorphenamine. The effects of penytoin may be increased by chlorphenamine. The side effects from chlorphenamine may be increased by (MAOIs) momoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Ideally you would have already checked this question out with your doctor. Failing this ring the surgery or check next time you see your doctor.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

Chlorphenamine Chlorpheniramine can be safely stopped as soon as you feel you no-longer need it.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

Depending on how this is administered onset of effect is within 60 minutes when taken by mouth, and within 20 minutes if it given by injection. Its lasting effect is from 4 – 8 hours for tablets, liquid, injection.

Storage and Safety

• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• The recommended dose of this medicine varies depending on the age of your child. follow the dosage instructions provided with this medicine.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take Chlorphenamine Chlorpheniramine if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exits.
• Keep Chlorphenamine Chlorpheniramine in their original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely.

If Chlorphenamine Chlorpheniramine has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who
do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.