Generic Name: chlorpheniramine/pseudoephedrine
Brand Name: Deconamine (discontinued)
What is chlorpheniramine/pseudoephedrine, and what is it used for?
Deconamine was a brand name medication that contains two different drugs, an antihistamine (chlorpheniramine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). The antihistamine effects of chlorpheniramine account for its effect of reducing allergy symptoms. The decongestant action of pseudoephedrine is a result of blood vessel constriction in the nasal air passages, such as in the nose or sinuses.
Brand name and generic formulations of combination products containing only chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine have been discontinued in the U. S., most likely due to the regulation of pseudoephedrine distribution.
Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine (discontinued brand name Deconamine) was prescribed for the treatment of temporary relief of runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion from the common cold, sinusitis, and hay fever.
What are the side effects of chlorpheniramine/pseudoephedrine?
Side effects of antihistamines include:
- drowsiness,
- impaired ability to accurately operate machinery,
- worsening of glaucoma,
- worsening of asthma or chronic lung diseases,
- rash,
- hives,
- perspiration,
- chills
- dry mouth or throat,
- low blood counts,
- restlessness,
- ringing in the ears,
- stomach upset, and
- urinary frequency or difficulty.
Other important side effects of pseudoephedrine include stimulation of the nervous system leading to:
What is the dosage for chlorpheniramine/pseudoephedrine?
The combination drug may be taken with or without food. It must be used cautiously in patients with heart (coronary artery) disease and angina, diabetes, lung diseases, especially asthma, glaucoma, and narrowing of the stomach exit (pyloric stenosis).
QUESTION
Allergies can best be described as: See AnswerWhich drugs interact with chlorpheniramine/pseudoephedrine?
- The combination drug can cause drowsiness and impaired ability to operate machinery. It contains pseudoephedrine which should not be taken with MAO inhibitors drugs.
- Caution must be exercised in the administration of this drug to patients with heart or lung disease.
- The combination drug should not be combined with other drugs containing pseudoephedrine (such as Sudafed) because of increased risk of side effects on the heart and blood vessels.
- While misuse of the combination drug for the purpose of getting "high" is unfamiliar to the editors, it is a specific warning from the manufacturer that patients be aware of possible "additive" effects of the drug when taken with alcohol and other central nervous depressants (such as sedatives and tranquilizers). This means that when the drug is taken with, for example, alcohol, the effect of the alcohol could be magnified. Conversely, alcohol increases the sedating qualities of Deconamine.
What else should I know about chlorpheniramine/pseudoephedrine?
What preparations of chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine are available?
Tablets of 4 mg chlorpheniramine/60 mg pseudoephedrine; chew tabs of 1 mg c/15 mg p; syrup of 2 mg c/30 mg p.
How should I keep chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine stored?
Combinations of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine should be stored at room temperature in an air-tight container.
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Summary
The combination of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine (discontinued brand name Deconamine) was a medication prescribed for the treatment and temporary relief of runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion from the common cold, sinusitis, and hay fever.
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Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- diphenhydramine
- Cold Medicine and Cough Syrup for Adults
- Side Effects of Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
- ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine
- Nasal Allergy Medications
- Zinc for Colds: Lozenges & Nasal Sprays
- Side Effects of Tussionex (chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone)
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.