Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan
About
Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan belongs to a class of medication called cough and cold preparations primarily used to treat dry cough. Coughing (dry or productive) is the body’s way of clearing irritants (like allergens, mucus or smoke) from airways and preventing infection. There are two types of coughs, namely. Dry cough and chesty cough. A dry cough is tickly and doesn't produce any vicious or thick mucus, while a chesty cough (wet cough) means mucous or sputum is produced to help clear your airways.
Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan is a combination of two drugs, namely: Chlorpheniramine (antihistamine) and Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant). Chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of antihistamines or anti-allergic that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and congestion or stiffness. On the other hand, Dextromethorphan belongs to the class of cough suppressants that works by blocking the transmission of nerve signals from the cough centre in the brain to the muscles that produce cough. Thus, Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan helps relieve overall cough, cold and allergic symptoms.
Take Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan with or without food as advised by your doctor with the help of a measuring cup. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan based on your medical condition. Some people may experience dry mouth, throat or nose, drowsiness, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, restlessness or excitation. Most of these side effects of Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan. Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. If you are about to undergo any medical tests or surgery, please inform your doctor that you are taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan. Avoid using Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan if you have taken medicines such as linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine and methylene blue injection in the past 14 days. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan to loosen mucus. If you have glaucoma, urinary problems, enlarged prostate, phenylketonuria (a congenital disability that causes accumulation of amino acid, phenylalanine in the body), cough with mucus or cough caused by asthma, smoking, chronic bronchitis or emphysema (a lung condition causing shortness of breath), inform your doctor before taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan.
Uses of Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan
Medicinal Benefits
Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan is a combination of two drugs, namely: Chlorpheniramine and Dextromethorphan, primarily used to treat dry cough. Chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling and congestion or stiffness. Dextromethorphan belongs to the class of cough suppressants that works by blocking the transmission of nerve signals from the cough centre in the brain to the muscles that produce cough. Thus, it decreases the need to cough.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan
- Dry mouth, throat or nose
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Restlessness or excitation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan. Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. If you are about to undergo any medical tests or surgery, please inform your doctor that you are taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan. Avoid using Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan if you have taken medicines such as linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine and methylene blue injection in the past 14 days. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan to loosen mucus. If you have glaucoma, urinary problems, enlarged prostate, phenylketonuria (a birth defect that causes accumulation of amino acid, phenylalanine in the body), cough with mucus or cough caused by asthma, smoking, chronic bronchitis or emphysema (a lung condition causing shortness of breath), inform your doctor before taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan may have interaction with anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine), and antidepressants (escitalopram, desvenlafaxine, vilazodone).
Drug-Food Interaction: Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid the consumption of alcohol with Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan as it may increase the risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness or difficulty in concentrating.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have glaucoma, urinary problems, enlarged prostate, phenylketonuria (a congenital disability that causes accumulation of amino acid, phenylalanine in the body), cough with mucus or cough caused by asthma, smoking, chronic bronchitis or emphysema (a lung condition causing shortness of breath), inform your doctor before taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan as it may increase drowsiness. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan is excreted in human milk. Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
cautionChlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan.
Liver
cautionTake Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan in patients with Kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionChlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan is not recommended for children below 6 years of age. However, please consult a doctor before using Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid dairy products such as milk as it may increase mucus production. Also, avoid processed or refined foods to have relief from cough. Instead replace baked foods, fried foods, white bread, white pasta, French fries, sugary desserts and chips with green leafy vegetables.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dry throat while you have a cough and loosen mucus.
- Avoid citrus fruits as it may worsen the cough. Eat fruits rich in water content such as pears, watermelon, peaches and pineapples.
Special Advise
- Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan may contain phenylalanine, so check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
- Do not use Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan only to make a child sleepy.
- Contact doctor if your symptoms do not improve even after 7 days.
- Contact doctor immediately if you develop fever, rash or headaches after taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cough: Coughing is the body’s way of clearing irritants (like allergens, mucus or smoke) from airways and preventing infection. Coughs may be dry or productive. A productive cough (wet cough) brings up sputum (phlegm, mucus and other matter) from the lungs. Cough is commonly caused as a response to allergy or viral infection but coughing up mucus is possibly an infection in the respiratory tract. If you are coughing thick, solid white mucus, you may have a bacterial infection in the airways. If the mucus is clear or light-coloured, it you may have allergies or minor infections in the respiratory tract, and yellow or green mucus indicates a respiratory infection.
FAQs
Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan contains Chlorpheniramine and Dextromethorphan. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine (anti-allergic drug) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and congestion or stiffness. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by blocking the transmission of nerve signals from cough centre in the brain to the muscles that produce cough. Thus, decreases the urge to cough.
No, you are not recommended to consume alcohol with Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan as it may increase drowsiness. However, please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan.
Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan may be used to provide relief from allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, throat irritation or watery eyes. Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan contains Chlorpheniramine, an anti-allergic drug that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions.
Yes, Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan may cause dry mouth as a temporary side effect in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan to experience this side effect. However, to avoid such side effects, drink plenty of water, regularly rinse your mouth, practice good oral hygiene and suck on sugarless candy. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
Yes, Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan may cause drowsiness or dizziness. It is not necessary for everyone taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan to experience this side effect. However, avoid driving if you feel drowsy or dizzy after taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan.
You are recommended to take Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen with rash, fever or persistent headache after 1 week of using Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan, please consult your doctor.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan without consulting your doctor as it may worsen cough or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Chlorpheniramine+dextromethorphan, please consult your doctor.
