Dexchlorpheniramine
About
Dexchlorpheniramine belongs to the class of medication called antihistamines, primarily used to treat symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (hayfever), such as itchy or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy or burning eyes. Dexchlorpheniramine may also be used to relieve symptoms associated with chronic urticarial (hives). These symptoms include itching, redness, and lumps on the skin. An allergy occurs when foreign elements known as allergens attack and invade our body, thereby causing the release of histamine (a chemical messenger) that causes swelling, inflammation, redness, itchiness, and watery nose, throat, and eyes.
Dexchlorpheniramine contains dexchlorpheniramine, which works by inhibiting the action of histamine, a substance that causes allergic reactions. It works directly on the brain to reduce allergy symptoms by preventing the release of histamine. It aids in the relief of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, or congestion.
Dexchlorpheniramine should be used as prescribed by the doctor. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as sleepiness or drowsiness, upset stomach, loss of appetite, thickening of mucus, stuffy nose, tight chest, dry mouth, and nose or throat. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all the medicines you take before taking Dexchlorpheniramine to rule out any side effects. If you are allergic to Dexchlorpheniramine or its inactive components, please inform your doctor. Consult your doctor before taking Dexchlorpheniramine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Dexchlorpheniramine should be given to children only if advised by a doctor. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Dexchlorpheniramine as it may increase the risk of adverse effects. And don’t take medicines used to treat depression, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) along with Dexchlorpheniramine, as it may cause a severe drop in your blood pressure. Do not drive or operate any machine that requires physical and mental attention, as Dexchlorpheniramine may cause sleepiness or drowsiness.
Uses of Dexchlorpheniramine
Medicinal Benefits
Dexchlorpheniramine contains Dexchlorpheniramine, an anti-allergic medicine that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Thus, it helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing/runny nose, red/itchy/watery eyes, throat swelling, itchy throat, and congestion or stiffness. In a few cases, it may be prescribed to treat drug reactions as well.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dexchlorpheniramine
- Sleepiness/drowsiness
- Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Thickening of mucus
- Stuffy nose
- Tight chest
- Dry mouth
- Dry nose
- Dry throat
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Please consult a doctor before taking Dexchlorpheniramine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The tablet form is not recommended for children below 12 years, and the syrup form is not recommended for children below two years of age. Avoid using Dexchlorpheniramine if you have taken antidepressant medicines in the past 14 days. Inform your doctor or healthcare professional if you have or have had any medical conditions, including seizures, liver or kidney disease, an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, high blood pressure, raised pressure in the eye, prostate problems, difficulty passing urine, a narrowing or blockage between the stomach and small intestine, peptic ulcer. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Dexchlorpheniramine. Drive only if you are alert, as Dexchlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Dexchlorpheniramine as it may increase the risk of adverse effects. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Dexchlorpheniramine to protect yourself from dehydration.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Dexchlorpheniramine may interact with medicines used to treat depression such as tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, amoxapine), strong/narcotic pain killers (e.g. codeine, morphine), medicines used to stop blood clotting (e.g. warfarin), and antianxiety medicines (alprazolam).
Drug-Food Interactions: It is not advisable to consume any alcoholic beverages or medicinal products containing alcohol during treatment.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor or healthcare professional if you have or have had any medical conditions, including seizures, liver or kidney disease, thyroid gland disorders, heart disease, high blood pressure, raised pressure in the eye, prostate problems, stomach and small intestine disorders and difficulty passing urine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption with Dexchlorpheniramine as it may increase the risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating.
Pregnancy
cautionDexchlorpheniramine is a category B pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks it is essential. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Dexchlorpheniramine.
Breast Feeding
cautionDexchlorpheniramine is given to breastfeeding women only if the doctor thinks benefits are more significant than risks. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Dexchlorpheniramine.
Driving
cautionDexchlorpheniramine may impact your driving ability. So, do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms such as drowsiness, sleepiness or any that affect your ability to concentrate and react. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionLimited information was available for the use of Dexchlorpheniramine in patients suffering from liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding using Dexchlorpheniramine in patients with liver impairment. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionLimited information was available for the use of Dexchlorpheniramine in patients suffering from kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding using Dexchlorpheniramine in patients with liver impairment. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
cautionDexchlorpheniramine should be used in children only if clinically needed. The doctor may have to adjust the dose based on age, body weight and medical history.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
- Eat plenty of foods rich in good bacteria like yoghurt to improve overall health.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Gargle with salt water for relief from sore throat.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol with Dexchlorpheniramine as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- If the symptoms persist or worsen after using Dexchlorpheniramine for one week, please consult a doctor.
- This medication should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women unless prescribed by a doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergies: It occurs when foreign elements known as allergens attack and invade our body, thereby causing the release of histamines. This chemical messenger 'histamine' causes swelling, inflammation, redness, itchiness, itchy/watery nose and throat, and watery eyes. Allergies generally occur due to chemicals, air pollution, pet danders, dust, pollen hairs, seasonal allergies like hay fever, etc.
FAQs
Dexchlorpheniramine contains Dexchlorpheniramine, an anti-histamine drug that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Thereby, helps to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and congestion or stiffness.
Dexchlorpheniramine may cause dry mouth as a temporary side effect in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking Dexchlorpheniramine 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.
You are not recommended to take Dexchlorpheniramine with alprazolam or any other antipsychotic pills as co-administration of these two medicines may increase adverse effects such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Please consult a doctor before taking Dexchlorpheniramine with any other medicines.
You are recommended to take Dexchlorpheniramine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen with rash, fever or persistent headache after one week of using Dexchlorpheniramine, please consult your doctor.
You are recommended to avoid taking Dexchlorpheniramine if you have asthma, eye problems like glaucoma, enlarged prostate gland, urinary problems, blockage in the stomach or intestines. However, if you have any of these conditions, please inform your doctor before taking Dexchlorpheniramine.
Dexchlorpheniramine may be used to treat allergic reactions caused by insect bites. Dexchlorpheniramine blocks the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Thereby, helps to provide relief from allergic symptoms. However, please consult a doctor before using Dexchlorpheniramine.
