Carbetapentane; Chlorpheniramine oral suspension

July 17, 2018

Carbetapentane; Chlorpheniramine oral suspension

What is this medicine?

CARBETAPENTANE; CHLORPHENIRAMINE (kar bay ta PEN tane; klor fen IR a meen) is a combination of a cough suppressant and an antihistamine. It is used to treat the symptoms of colds, allergies, and bronchitis. It will not treat an infection.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine 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.

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 problems

  • changes in emotions or moods

  • confusion

  • difficulty passing urine

  • dizziness

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • hallucinations

  • seizures

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

  • constipation

  • dry mouth, nose or throat

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea, vomiting

  • trouble sleeping

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:

  • alcohol

  • barbiturates like phenobarbital

  • medicines for anxiety

  • medicines for sleep

  • muscle relaxers

  • narcotic pain medicines

  • other 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 controlled room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. 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:

  • difficulty passing urine

  • glaucoma

  • heart disease

  • high blood pressure

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

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

  • thyroid disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine, tartrazine dye, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

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.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018