Dexchlorpheniramine 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.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

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. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

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.

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.

Call 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.

This medication can cause unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Usual Adult Dose for Nasal Congestion:

Dexchlorpheniramine-pseudoephedrine 3 mg-50 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
15 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Congestion:

Dexchlorpheniramine-pseudoephedrine 3 mg-50 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
2 to 5 years: 2.5 to 5 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 10 mL daily.
6 to 11 years: 5 to 7.5 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 15 mL daily.
12 years or older: 15 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dexchlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

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

• a blockage in your stomach or intestines;

• kidney or liver disease;

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

• enlarged prostate or urination problems;

• glaucoma;

• diabetes;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor);

• overactive thyroid; or

• if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).

It is not known whether dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may also slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice 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.

Since cold medicine is taken as 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.

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 dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or sleep medicine. Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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 or decongestant.

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

Dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may cause serious side effects. Stop using dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, rapid pulse, fast or uneven heart rate;

• confusion, hallucinations, severe nervousness;

• tremor, seizure (convulsions);

• little or no urinating;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or

• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, shortness of breath).

Common side effects of dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;

• dry nose or mouth;

• nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;

• problems with memory or concentration; or

• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

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.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using dexchlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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.

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