Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride
About
Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride belongs to the group of medications called 'anti-allergic agents' primarily used to treat symptoms of the common cold and allergies like sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, congestion, or watery eyes. The common cold is a respiratory illness affecting the nose and throat. It is mostly caused by viruses known as 'rhinovirus'. The virus enters the body through the nose, mouth or eyes and spreads easily through droplets in the air when the person who is sick sneezes, coughs or talks.
Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride contains Chlorpheniramine maleate and Phenylephrine hydrochloride. Chlorpheniramine maleate blocks the release of histamine in the body, which is known to cause allergic symptoms. Phenylephrine hydrochloride helps shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passage, thereby providing relief from a stuffy nose. Together, Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride helps provide relief from symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and nasal congestion.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride depending on your condition. The most common side effects of Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride are drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth/nose/throat, upset stomach, constipation, or trouble sleeping. Most of these side effects of Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, reach out to your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components in Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride. Please tell your doctor before starting Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you have a liver problem, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride 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. Do not take Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride with any MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) as it may lead to serious drug interaction.
Uses of Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride
Medicinal Benefits
Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride contains Chlorpheniramine maleate (antihistamine/antiallergic) and phenylephrine hydrochloride (decongestant), primarily used to treat common cold symptoms like runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, and sneezing. Chlorpheniramine maleate is an antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine, which is known to cause common cold symptoms. Phenylephrine hydrochloride is a decongestant that helps shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passage, thereby reducing the stuffy nose. Together, Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride effectively reduces allergic and cold symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry Mouth/Nose/Throat
- Stomach upset
- Constipation
- Trouble sleeping
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you are allergic to any of its components. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride. Inform your doctor if you have cardiovascular disease, asthma, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Also, inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking before starting Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride. Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride 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. Do not take Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) in the past 14 days.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride may interact with other anti-allergic medications (cetirizine, fluticasone, diphenhydramine), blood thinners (aspirin), cough suppressant medications (dextromethorphan), anti-hypertensive medications (atorvastatin), anti-asthma medications (albuterol), antacids (pantoprazole), and anti-depressants (isocarboxazid, rasagiline, linezolid, tranylcypromine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
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
cautionChlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride 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. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionChlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride is known to cause drowsiness and sleepiness. So, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionChlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride 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 Hydrochloride 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 Hydrochloride is not recommended for children below the age of 4 years. For children above four years, Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride should be used 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.
- 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 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 Hydrochloride may interfere with certain lab tests. So before undergoing any tests, please let the doctor know that you are taking Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride.
- If you are due to undergo any surgery, please inform your doctor that you are taking Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Common cold: Common cold is an infection caused by viruses, mainly 'rhinovirus' affecting the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). 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, and 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 Hydrochloride contains Chlorpheniramine maleate and Phenylephrine hydrochloride. Chlorpheniramine maleate blocks the action of histamine, which is known to cause allergic symptoms. Phenylephrine hydrochloride helps shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passage, thereby reducing the stuffy nose. Together, Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride effectively reduces the symptoms of cold and allergies.
It is not recommended to take Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride with anti-depressant medication as it may lead to unpleasant side effects or drug interaction. Also, Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride should be taken at least 15 days after the last dose of anti-depressants.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose. Avoid taking a double dose.
Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride may cause drowsiness. It is not necessary for everyone taking Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride to experience this side effect. However, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel drowsy after taking Chlorpheniramine Maleate+phenylephrine Hydrochloride.
