What is carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine?
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.
Carbetapentane is a cough suppressant. It suppresses an area in the brain that causes coughing.
Ephedrine and phenylephrine are decongestants. They constrict blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow and allows nasal passages to open up.
Carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine is used to treat nasal congestion, sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), and coughs associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.
Carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine 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 carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.
Who should not take carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine?
Do not take carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine 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 carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine, 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 carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine 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 carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine. 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.