Note: This document contains side effect information about chlorpheniramine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Allergy Relief.
Applies to chlorpheniramine: oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.
Serious side effects of Allergy Relief
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other side effects of Allergy Relief
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Feeling sleepy.
- Feeling nervous and excitable.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to chlorpheniramine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule extended release, oral liquid, oral suspension extended release, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet extended release.
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Sedation, somnolence
Common (1% to 10%): Disturbance in attention, abnormal coordination, dizziness, headache[Ref]
Nearly all patients treated with chlorpheniramine experience drowsiness. This drowsiness may subside in some patients with extended use.
Few cases of dyskinesias and tremors, often of the face, have been reported in patients whose chronic use of chlorpheniramine extended over a period of 3 to 10 years. Some of these cases were only partially relieved by discontinuation of the drug. Haloperidol was successful in relieving symptoms.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Frequency not reported: Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypotension[Ref]
Ocular
Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, dry mouth
Frequency not reported: Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Exfoliative dermatitis, rash, urticaria, photosensitivity[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
Frequency not reported: Tinnitus, chest tightness[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Confusion, excitation, irritability, nightmares, depression[Ref]
Hematologic
Frequency not reported: Hemolytic anemia, blood dyscrasias[Ref]
A fatal case of agranulocytosis has been reported in a patient taking chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylpropanolamine, and aspirin. Chlorpheniramine was felt to be the cause.[Ref]
Genitourinary
Frequency not reported: Urinary retention[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Frequency not reported: Muscle twitching, muscle weakness[Ref]
Hepatic
Frequency not reported: Hepatitis, jaundice[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Thickening of bronchial secretions[Ref]
Metabolic
Frequency not reported: Anorexia[Ref]