Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine
About
Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine belongs to the combination medication called 'anti-allergics' 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 typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as 'allergens.' Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander.
Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine contains Chlorpheniramine and Phenylephrine. Chlorpheniramine is an antiallergic which relieves allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that narrows the small blood vessels, relieving the nose's congestion or stuffiness. Together, Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine effectively reduces allergic symptoms.
Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine can be taken with or without food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. The most common side effects of Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine are drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth/nose/throat, upset stomach, constipation, or trouble sleeping. Most of these side effects of Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. however, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not stop taking Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine even if you feel better without asking your doctor, as your symptoms may come back and may even worsen your condition. Inform your doctor about all other medications you have been taking before starting Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine. Please tell your doctor before starting Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine if you have a liver problem, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine may cause drowsiness and sleepiness, so it is advised not to drive a car or operate machinery. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. Do not take Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine with any MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) as it may lead to serious drug interaction.
Uses of Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine
Medicinal Benefits
Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine is primarily used to treat common cold symptoms. It is a combination drug containing Chlorpheniramine (antihistamine/antiallergic) and phenylephrine (decongestant), primarily used to treat common cold symptoms like runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, and sneezing. Chlorpheniramine is an anti-histaminemine that blocks histamine in the body, which is known to cause common cold symptoms. Phenylephrine helps shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passage, reducing a stuffy nose. Together, both of them effectively reduce allergic and cold symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth/nose/throat
- Upset of stomach
- Constipation
- Trouble in sleeping
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine if you are allergic to histamines, Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine, or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine. If you have or have ever had cardiovascular disease, asthma, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, please do not take the Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine as it is known to interact. Also, inform your doctor about all other medications you have taken before starting Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine. Do not stop taking Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine even if you feel better without asking your doctor, as your symptoms may come back and may even worsen your condition. Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine may cause drowsiness and sleepiness, so it is advised not to drive a car or operate machinery. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. If you need to undergo surgery, please inform your doctor that you are taking Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine, as it should not be taken during surgery. Do not take Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine if you have taken any MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) in the past 14 days.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine have interactions with other anti-allergic medications (cetirizine, fluticasone, diphenhydramine), blood thinners (aspirin), cough suppressant drugs (dextromethorphan), anti-hypertensive medications (atorvastatin), anti-asthma medications (albuterol), medicines used for stomach problems (pantoprazole), anti-depressants (isocarboxazid, rasagiline, linezolid, tranylcypromine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Alcohol should not be used along with Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine should not be taken by the people who have or ever had 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+phenylephrine may cause excessive dizziness when taken with alcohol so, together intake should be avoided.
Pregnancy
cautionChlorpheniramine+phenylephrine contains a combination of two different drugs. Chlorpheniramine being a class B pregnancy drug and phenylephrine being a class C. So, it should be used with caution
Breast Feeding
cautionChlorpheniramine+phenylephrine should only be given to breastfeeding women if benefits outweigh the harm it will cause to the baby.
Driving
unsafeChlorpheniramine+phenylephrine is known to cause drowsiness and sleepiness. So, driving after consuming Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine should not be done.
Liver
cautionChlorpheniramine+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+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+phenylephrine is not recommended for children below the age of 4 years. For children aged above 4 years, use Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine only when prescribed by a child specialist. And also, take it in dose as prescribed as any dose alteration can prove fatal.
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.
- Try to sleep at least 8 hours each night to stay fit and safe.
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. 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+phenylephrine may interfere with certain lab tests like brain scans for Parkinson's disease and urine drug screening tests. So before undergoing these tests, please let the doctor know that you are taking Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Common cold: The 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 be affected to 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 a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild body pain or a mild headache, sneezing, low-grade fever, and feeling unwell (malaise). In some cases, the discharge from your nose may become thicker and yellow or green, which does not indicate a bacterial infection. If you observe these symptoms, immediately contact your doctor.
Allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as 'allergens.' Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander. Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine is a non-drowsy antihistamine, making it less likely to make you feel sleepy than other antihistamines or antiallergics.
FAQs
Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine contains Chlorpheniramine and Phenylephrine. Chlorpheniramine is an antiallergic which relieves allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that narrows the small blood vessels, relieving the nose's congestion or stuffiness. Together, Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine effectively reduces allergic symptoms.
No, you should not take Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine if you need to undergo surgery as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness when given along with anesthesia. Please inform your doctor before surgery if you are taking Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine as the doctor may stop it 72 hours before the surgery.
It is not recommended to take Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine along with any anti-depressant medication as it may lead to unpleasant side-effects or any drug interaction. Also, Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine should be taken at least 15 days after your last dose of anti-depressants.
Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine is a combination drug containing Chlorpheniramine (anti-histamine) and Phenylephrine (decongestant), primarily used to treat common cold symptoms like runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, sneezing. Chlorpheniramine being an anti-histamine blocks histamine in the body, which is known to cause common cold symptoms. Phenylephrine helps in shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passage, thereby reducing stuffy nose. Together, both of them effectively reduce the symptoms of cold and allergies.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take Chlorpheniramine+phenylephrine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Chlorpheniramine+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 a car or do anything that require mental alertness.
