Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine oral drops
Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine oral drops
What is this medicine?
CHLORPHENIRAMINE; DEXTROMETHORPHAN; PHENYLEPHRINE (klor fen IR a meen; dex troe meth OR fan; fen il EF rin) is a combination of an antihistamine, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies and the common cold. This medicine will not treat an infection.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Use the dropper that was provided with this medicine to measure each dose. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed 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 to this medicine 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 vision
cold, clammy skin
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fast or irregular heartbeat
hallucinations
high blood pressure
seizures
tremors
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusually weak or tired
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
loss of appetite
nervous or restless
stomach upset, nausea
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
medicines for cold, cough, or allergy
medicines for weight loss
procarbazine
some medicines for migraine headaches
stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
barbiturates like phenobarbital
mecamylamine
medicines for chest pain, heart disease, high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for sleep
reserpine
some herbal or nutritional supplements
some medicines for Parkinson's disease
some medicines for pain
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). Protect from light. 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:
diabetes
eczema
glaucoma
heart disease
high blood pressure
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
phenylketonuria
stomach ulcer
taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
thyroid disease
trouble passing urine
an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine; dextromethorphan; 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 or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you have a fever, skin rash, or persistent headache, see your doctor. Do not take this medicine for more than one week unless directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
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. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
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.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018