Dexchlorpheniramine oral tablets

What is this medicine?

DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE (dex klor fen EER a meen) is an antihistamine. It is used to treat itching and runny nose from allergies or a cold. It is also used to treat skin rash, hives, itching, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction. 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. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. 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 children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 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

• agitated, nervous, excitable

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• seizures

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusually weak or tired

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

• sleepy

• stomach upset, nausea

• difficulty sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

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

• medicines that make you drowsy, sleepy

• 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 room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. 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, other lung disease

• glaucoma

• heart disease, high blood pressure

• irregular heart beat

• liver disease

• prostate trouble

• trouble passing urine

• ulcers or other stomach problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dexchlorpheniramine, 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 healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better 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.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.