Locations:

Chlorpheniramine; Pseudoephedrine Tablets

What is this medication?

CHLORPHENIRAMINE; PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (klor fen IR a meen; soo doe e FED rin) treats the symptoms of the common cold, allergies, or flu. It works by reducing red, itchy eyes and a runny or stuffy nose. It is a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): A.R.M., Allerest, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy D, Clorfed, Deconamine, Dicel Chewables, Genaphed Plus, Maxichlor PSE, Pediox, Sudal-12, Sudogest Cold & Allergy, SudoGest Sinus & Allergy, Triaminic Allergy, Runny Nose and Congestion

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Glaucoma
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Lung or breathing disease, such as COPD or asthma
  • Taken an MAOI, such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in the last 14 days
  • Thyroid disease
  • Trouble passing urine
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

People 65 years and older may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

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Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
  • MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Atropine
  • Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam
  • Certain medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin or tolterodine
  • Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline or trazodone
  • Certain medications for Parkinson disease, such as benztropine or trihexyphenidyl
  • Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
  • Certain medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine or hyoscyamine
  • Certain medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamine
  • Ipratropium
  • Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol
  • Medications that help you fall asleep
  • Medications that relax muscles
  • Opioids for pain or cough
  • Other antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
  • Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
  • St. John's wort
  • Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you need to use this medication for more than 7 days, talk to your care team.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
  • Trouble passing urine

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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Anxiety, nervousness
  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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