Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine
About
Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine belongs to the combination medication called 'anti-allergic' primarily used to treat symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies and other breathing problems like sinusitis and bronchitis. An allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements known as 'allergens.' Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. Whereas, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander.
Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine contains two medicines namely: Chlorpheniramine maleate (anti-histamine/anti-allergic) and Phenylephrine (decongestant). Chlorpheniramine maleate blocks the release of histamine in the body, which is known to cause allergic symptoms. On the other hand, Phenylephrine helps shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passage, thereby reducing the stuffy nose. Together, Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine effectively reduces allergic symptoms.
Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine can be taken with or without food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. The duration of Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine will depend upon your condition. The most common side effects of Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine are drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth/nose/throat, upset stomach, constipation, or trouble sleeping. Most of these side effects of Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components of Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine. Please tell your doctor before starting Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine if you have a liver problem, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine may cause drowsiness and sleepiness, so it is advised not to drive or operate machinery. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. Do not take Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine with any MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) as it may lead to serious drug interaction.
Uses of Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine
Medicinal Benefits
Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine is a combination drug containing Chlorpheniramine maleate (antihistamine/antiallergic) and phenylephrine (decongestant), primarily used to treat common cold symptoms like runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, and sneezing. Chlorpheniramine maleate is an antihistamine that blocks histamine in the body, which is known to cause common cold symptoms. Phenylephrine helps shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passage, thereby reducing the stuffy nose. Together, both of them effectively reduce allergic and cold symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry Mouth/Nose/Throat
- Upset of stomach
- Constipation
- Trouble sleeping
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine if you are allergic to histamines, or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine. Inform your doctor if you have cardiovascular disease, asthma, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia. Also, inform your doctor about all other medications you have taken before starting Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine. Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine may cause drowsiness and sleepiness, so it is advised not to drive or operate machinery unless you are alert. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. If you are due to undergo any surgery, please inform your doctor that you are taking Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine as it should not be taken during surgery. Do not take Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) in the past 14 days.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine may have an interaction with other anti-allergic medications (e.g. cetirizine, fluticasone, diphenhydramine), blood thinners (e.g. aspirin), cough suppressant medications (e.g. dextromethorphan), anti-hypertensive medications (e.g. atorvastatin), anti-asthma medications (e.g. albuterol), antacids (e.g. pantoprazole), and anti-depressants (e.g. isocarboxazid, rasagiline, linezolid, tranylcypromine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption along with Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiovascular disease, asthma, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate gland, difficulty in urination, intestinal ulcer or blockage.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeChlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine may cause excessive dizziness when taken with alcohol, so, alcohol intake should be avoided.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine should be used only if the doctor prescribes it.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult the doctor before taking the Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionChlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine is known to cause drowsiness and sleepiness. So, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionChlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionChlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionChlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine is not recommended for children below the age of 4 years. For children aged above four years, use Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine only when prescribed by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
- The immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- To stay fit and safe, try to sleep at least 8 hours each night.
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc and certain food items are known to cause allergies to you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Special Advise
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. It might help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine may interfere with certain lab tests like brain scan for Parkinson's disease, and urine drug screening tests. So before undergoing these tests please let the doctor know that you are taking Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Common cold: Common cold is an infection caused by viruses, mainly 'rhinovirus' affecting your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Children younger than six years of age are at the most significant risk of colds, but healthy adults can also have 2-3 colds annually. In most cases, cold symptoms are recovered within a week or ten days. However, symptoms might last longer in people who smoke or are exposed to allergens like dust, pollutants, etc. Symptoms of a common cold might include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild body pain or a mild headache, sneezing, low-grade fever, feeling unwell (malaise).
Allergy: It is an immune response to foreign elements known as 'allergens.' Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. Whereas, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander.
FAQs
Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine contains Chlorpheniramine maleate and Phenylephrine. Chlorpheniramine maleate blocks histamine in the body, which is known to cause allergic symptoms. Phenylephrine helps in shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passage, thereby reducing the stuffy nose. Together, both of them effectively reduce the symptoms of cold and allergies.
It is not recommended to take Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine and any anti-depressant medication as it may lead to unpleasant side effects or drug interaction. Also, Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine should be taken at least 15 days after your last dose of anti-depressants.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine is known to cause drowsiness and sleepiness. Hence, you are recommended to take it in the nighttime if you are experiencing excessive drowsiness in the day and avoid driving or doing anything that requires mental alertness.
