chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan

Pronunciation:	klor feh NEER a meen and dex troe meh THOR fan
Brand:	Coricidin Cough and Cold, Effective Strength Cough Syrup, Primatuss 4, Scot-Tussin Sugar Free DM, Tricodene Sugar Free

What is the most important information I should know about chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

What is chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Chlorpheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It suppresses an area in the brain that causes coughing.

Chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan is used to treat nasal congestion, sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), and coughs associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

Chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Do not take chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

kidney disease,
liver disease,
diabetes,
glaucoma,
heart disease or high blood pressure,
thyroid disease,
emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or
difficulty urinating or have an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions.

How should I take chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Take chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm.

Do not take chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan for longer than 7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

Store chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, hyperactivity, or hallucinations.

What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan.

What are the possible side effects of chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience

dryness of the eyes, nose, and mouth;
drowsiness or dizziness;
blurred vision;
difficulty urinating; or
excitation in children.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan is taken with any of these medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan is available over-the-counter under several brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Copyright 1996-2003 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.04. Revision date: 3/9/06.

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