Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine oral suspension

What is this medicine?

CHLORPHENIRAMINE; PHENYLEPHRINE (klor fen IR a meen; fen il EF rin) is a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant. It is used to treat symptoms of an allergy, cold, or sinus inflammation. It will help relieve runny nose, sneezing, and congestion in the nose. This medicine will not treat an infection.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take with food or milk. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years old.

Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing trouble

• blurred vision

• difficulty passing urine

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• fear, anxiety, restless, tremor

• hallucinations

• high or low blood pressure

• seizure

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

• dry mouth, nose, throat

• headache

• loss of appetite

• sleepy

• stomach upset, nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• any alcohol-containing product

• barbiturates like phenobarbital

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for sleep

• some medicines for cold, cough or allergy

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• asthma

• diabetes

• difficulty passing urine or enlarged prostate

• glaucoma

• high blood pressure or heart disease

• phenylketonuria

• taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.