Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Chlorpheniramine is used to treat runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Chlorpheniramine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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.

You should not use chlorpheniramine if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, an enlarged prostate, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are having an asthma attack.

Chlorpheniramine comes as a tablet, a capsule, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet and capsule, a chewable tablet, and a liquid to take by mouth. The regular capsules and tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The extended-release (long-acting) tablets and capsules are usually taken twice a day in the morning and evening as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take chlorpheniramine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Chlorpheniramine comes alone and in combination with fever and pain reducers, expectorants, cough suppressants, and decongestants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which product is best for your symptoms. Check nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before using 2 or more products at the same time. These products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and taking them together could cause you to receive an overdose.This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child.

Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including products that contain chlorpheniramine, can cause serious side effects or death in young children. Do not give these products to children younger than 4 years of age. If you give these products to children 4-11 years of age, use caution and follow the package directions carefully.

If you are giving chlorpheniramine or a combination product that contains chlorpheniramine to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age. Do not give chlorpheniramine products that are made for adults to children.

Before you give a chlorpheniramine product to a child, check the package label to find out how much medication the child should receive. Give the dose that matches the child's age on the chart. Ask the child's doctor if you don't know how much medication to give the child.

If you are taking the liquid, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. Use the measuring spoon or cup that came with the medication or use a spoon made especially for measuring medication.

If you are using the extended-release tablets or capsules, swallow them whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open them.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. chlorpheniramine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

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.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.

You should not use chlorpheniramine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma;

• a blockage in your stomach or intestines;

• an enlarged prostate;

• 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 chlorpheniramine if you have:

• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), a colostomy or ileostomy;

• liver or kidney disease;

• asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;

• high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease, or recent heart attack;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• urination problems;

• pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor); or

• overactive thyroid.

FDA pregnancy category B. Chlorpheniramine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

Chlorpheniramine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines may also slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially sweetened cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.

Since this medicine is taken when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

chlorpheniramine may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of chlorpheniramine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Chlorpheniramine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Chlorpheniramine may cause serious side effects. Stop using chlorpheniramine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• fast or uneven heart rate;

• mood changes;

• tremor, seizure (convulsions);

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

• feeling short of breath; or

• little or no urinating.

Common side effects of chlorpheniramine may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;

• constipation;

• blurred vision; or

• feeling nervous or restless.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Taking chlorpheniramine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking chlorpheniramine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about chlorpheniramine.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

• Actifed® Cold and Allergy (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Actifed® Cold and Sinus (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, and Acetaminophen)
• Ah-Chew® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Alka-Seltzer Plus® Cold Medicine Liqui-Gels® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Allerest® Maximum Strength (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Atrohist® Pediatric (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Brexin® L.A. (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Chlordrine® S.R. (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Chlor-Phed® Timecelles® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Chlor-Trimeton® 12 Hour Allergy Decongestant (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate)
• Chlor-Trimeton® 4 Hour Allergy Decongestant (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate)
• Comhist® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Phenyltoloxamine Citrate)
• Comtrex® Allergy-Sinus Maximum Strength Tablets (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Coricidin® HBP® Cold & Flu (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Acetaminophen)
• D.A. Chewable® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• D.A. II® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Dallergy® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Dallergy® Caplets® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Dallergy® Syrup (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Deconamine® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Deconamine® SR (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Deconamine® Syrup (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Dristan® Cold (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Dura-Vent® DA (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• EX-Histine® Syrup (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Extendryl® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Extendryl® Jr. (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Extendryl® Sr. (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Extendryl® Syrup (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Flu-Relief® Caplets® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Histalet® Syrup (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Kolephrin® Caplets® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Kronofed-A® Kronocaps® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Kronofed-A-Jr.® Kronocaps® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Mescolor® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• ND Clear® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• ND-Gesic® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Pyrilamine Maleate)
• Novahistine® Elixir (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Omnihist® LA (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Polaramine® Expectorant (containing Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate)
• Protid® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Rescon® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Rescon® JR (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Rescon®-ED (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Rhinatate® (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• R-Tannate® (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• R-Tannate® Pediatric (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• Ryna® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Rynatan® (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• Rynatan® Pediatric (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• Rynatan®-S Pediatric (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• Sinarest® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Sinarest® Extra Strength Caplets® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Sine-Off® Sinus Medicine Caplets® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Singlet® Caplets® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Sinutab® Sinus Allergy Maximum Strength Caplets® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Sinutab® Sinus Allergy Maximum Strength Tablets (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Sudafed® Cold & Allergy (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Tanafed® (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate and Pseudoephedrine Tannate)
• Tanoral® Pediatric (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• Tanoral®-S Pediatric (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• TheraFlu® Flu and Cold Medicine (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• TheraFlu® Flu and Cold Medicine for Sore Throat Maximum Strength (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Triaminic® Cold & Allergy Softchews® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Triotann® (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• Triotann® Pediatric (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• Triotann®-S Pediatric (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• Triple Tannate® Pediatric Suspension (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Phenylephrine Tannate, and Pyrilamine Tannate)
• Tussi-12® (containing Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Carbetapentane Tannate, and Phenylephrine Tannate)
• Tylenol® Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength Caplets® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Tylenol® Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength Gelcaps® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Tylenol® Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength Geltabs® (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Tylenol® Cold Multi-Symptom Children's (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
• Vanex® Forte-R (containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
• Vituz ® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone)