What is chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
The combination of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine is used to treat symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?
There are many brands and forms of this medication available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Do not use chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine, or if you have severe high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a stomach ulcer, or if you are unable to urinate.
Do not use this medication during an asthma attack.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine?
Do not use chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine, or if you have:
severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
severe coronary artery disease;
narrow angle glaucoma;
a stomach ulcer;
if you are unable to urinate; or
if you are having an asthma attack.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication if you have:
kidney disease;
liver disease;
diabetes;
glaucoma;
circulation problems;
heart disease or high blood pressure;
overactive thyroid;
a seizure disorder such as epilepsy;
asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis; or
urination problems or an enlarged prostate.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.
Artificially sweetened liquid cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.