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DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE (dex klor fen EER a meen) treats allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or runny or stuffy nose. It works by blocking histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. It belongs to a group of medications called antihistamines.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate.
You can take this medication with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.
Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
People over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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-Alcohol
-MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-Medications that make you drowsy, sleepy
-Other medications for cold, cough or allergy
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
This medication 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.
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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.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
-Trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Confusion
-Constipation
-Dizziness
-Drowsiness
-Dry mouth
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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