Polaramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.

Polaramine is used to treat sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Polaramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Polaramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking this medicine.

Do not crush, chew, or break any timed-release forms of Polaramine. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly into your body.

Take Polaramine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Polaramine can be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break any timed-release forms of Polaramine. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly into your body.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the syrup form of Polaramine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. The regular-release tablets and the syrup are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed (four to six times a day). The timed-release tablets and capsules are usually taken every 8 to 10 hours as needed (two or three times a day).

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not take Polaramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;

• a stomach ulcer;

• an enlarged prostate, bladder problems, or difficulty urinating;

• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);

• hypertension or any type of heart problems; or

• asthma.

You may not be able to take Polaramine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Dexchlorpheniramine is not likely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medicine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines, and serious side effects could occur in a nursing baby. Polaramine is not recommended if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not take this medicine without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Polaramine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a dexchlorpheniramine overdose include extreme sleepiness, confusion, weakness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, large pupils, dry mouth, flushing, fever, shaking, insomnia, hallucinations, and possibly seizures.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Polaramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Polaramine.

Stop taking Polaramine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious Polaramine side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take this medicine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness;

• headache;

• dry mouth; or

• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not take Polaramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Talk to your pharmacist before taking other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or insomnia medications. These products may contain medicines similar to dexchlorpheniramine, which could lead to an antihistamine overdose.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• anxiety or sleep medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion);

• medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil); or

• any other medications that make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or relaxed.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with dexchlorpheniramine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.