dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine

Pronunciation:	dex klor feh NEER a meen and soo doe eh FEH drin
Brand:	Tanafed DP

What is the most important information I should know about dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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 dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine.

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 dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

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

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to open up.

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

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

Do not take dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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,
a stomach ulcer or a stomach obstruction,
asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or
difficulty urinating or have an enlarged prostate.

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

Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is unknown whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk and may affect 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 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine. 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 dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

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

Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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 dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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 dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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 dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine.

What are the possible side effects of dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. If you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, or hives) from this medication, stop taking dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine and seek emergency medical attention.

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

dryness of the eyes, nose, or 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 dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

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

Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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 dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine is taken with any of these medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine. 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 dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine is available with a prescription under the brand name Tanafed DP. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Tanafed DP 2.5 mg dexchlorpheniramine/75 mg pseudoephedrine per teaspoon (5 mL)-red-colored, strawberry-banana flavored suspension

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: 1.03. Revision date: 2/13/04.

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