Generic Name: chlorpheniramine
Brand Names: ChlorTrimeton, Diabetic Tussin
Drug Class: Antihistamines, 1st Generation
What is chlorpheniramine, and what is it used for?
Chlorpheniramine is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve symptoms of colds and allergies including sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes. Chlorpheniramine is a first generation antihistamine that can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, causing drowsiness as a side effect, which the second generation antihistamines do not cause.
Chlorpheniramine works by blocking the activity of histamine, a natural compound in the body that causes allergy symptoms. Histamine is released by mast cells and basophils, types of immune cells, in response to allergen exposure. Chlorpheniramine binds to histamine H1 receptors in blood vessels, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract, preventing their activation by histamine and the resultant allergic reaction.
Chlorpheniramine may be used for symptom relief in the following conditions:
- Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Perennial and seasonal vasomotor rhinitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Common colds
- Hives (urticaria)
- Itching (pruritus)
- Swelling of tissue under the skin and mucous membranes (angioedema)
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions) such as swelling of throat, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting.
Warnings
- Do not use chlorpheniramine to treat:
- Patients who are hypersensitive to chlorpheniramine or any of its components
- Individuals with lower respiratory disease such as asthma (controversial)
- Patients with sleep apnea
- Premature babies and newborns
- Avoid using chlorpheniramine in nursing mothers
- Use chlorpheniramine with caution in the following conditions:
- Narrow angle glaucoma
- Prostatic hypertrophy
- Stenosing peptic ulcer
- Pyloroduodenal obstruction
- Bladder neck obstruction
What are the side effects of chlorpheniramine?
Common side effects of chlorpheniramine include:
- Central nervous system depression
- Sedation ranging from mild drowsiness to deep sleep (most frequent)
- Dizziness
- Lack of energy (lassitude)
- Impaired coordination
- Muscular weakness
- Restlessness
- Faintness
- Insomnia
- Euphoria
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Delirium
- Abnormal skin sensation (paresthesia)
- Tremors
- Seizures (less common)
- Balance disorder (labyrinthitis)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Vertigo
- Visual disturbances
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Dryness of nose, mouth and throat
- Thickening of bronchial secretions
- Wheezing
- Nasal stuffiness
- Sweating
- Chills
- Involuntary facial movements (facial dyskinesia)
- Headache
- Tightness of the chest
- Palpitations
- ECG changes
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- High or low blood pressure (hypertension/hypotension)
- Greater incidence of dizziness, sedation, and hypotension in elderly patients
- Upper abdominal (epigastric) distress
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Impaired bile flow (cholestasis)
- Abnormal liver function
- Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
- Liver failure
- Jaundice (rare)
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Urinary retention
- Impotence
- Early menstrual periods
- Blood disorders such as:
- Anemia from rapid destruction of red cells (hemolytic anemia)
- Low levels of leukocytes, a type of immune cell (leukopenia)
- Low levels of granulocytes, immune cells with granules (agranulocytosis)
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Low count of all types of blood cells (pancytopenia)
This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
QUESTION
Allergies can best be described as: See AnswerWhat are the dosages of chlorpheniramine?
Tablet
- 4 mg
- 8 mg
- 12 mg
Syrup
- 2 mcg/5 mL
Suspension (pediatric only)
- 2 mg/mL
Adult
Allergic Rhinitis
- Tablets or syrup: 4 mg orally every 4-6 hours; not to exceed 24 mg/day
- Extended-release tablets: 8 mg orally every 8-12 hours or 12 mg every 12 hours; not to exceed 24 mg/day
- Extended-release capsules: 12 mg orally once/day; not to exceed 24 mg/day
- Sustained-release capsules: 8-12 mg orally every 8-12 hours, up to 16-24 mg/day
Pediatric
- Children under 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- Children 2-6 years: 1 mg orally every 4-6 hours; not to exceed 6 mg/day
- Children 6-12 years: 2 mg orally every 4-6 hours; not to exceed 12 mg/day or sustained release at bedtime
- Children over 12 years:
- Tablets or syrup: 4 mg orally every 4-6 hours; not to exceed 24 mg/day
- Extended-release tablets: 8 mg orally every 8-12 hours or 12 mg every 12 hours; not to exceed 24 mg/day
- Extended-release capsules: 12 mg orally once/day; not to exceed 24 mg/day
- Sustained-release capsules: 8-12 mg orally every 8-12 hours, up to 16-24 mg/day
Geriatric
- 4 mg orally once/day or every 12 hours
- Sustained-release: 8 mg orally at bedtime
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What drugs interact with chlorpheniramine?
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.
- Chlorpheniramine has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
- Serious interactions of chlorpheniramine include:
- eluxadoline
- idelalisib
- isocarboxazid
- ivacaftor
- sodium oxybate
- tranylcypromine
- Chlorpheniramine has moderate interactions with at least 201 different drugs.
- Mild interactions of chlorpheniramine include:
- ashwagandha
- brimonidine
- eucalyptus
- nettle
- sage
- Siberian ginseng
The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Chlorpheniramine use during pregnancy is recommended only when potential benefit outweighs potential risk. There is no controlled data for chlorpheniramine use in pregnancy, however, antihistamine exposure in first trimester is not reported to be associated with increased risk of malformations.
- Chlorpheniramine is excreted in breast milk. Small, occasional doses of the drug is acceptable during breastfeeding. Large doses or prolonged use, particularly before nursing for the first time, may reduce milk production, and may cause effects in the infant.
What else should I know about chlorpheniramine?
In geriatric treatment:
- Non-anticholinergic antihistamines should be considered first when treating allergic reactions (Beers Criteria). Anticholinergic antihistamines block the activity of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine, which can affect involuntary muscle function and fluid secretions
- Avoid use of chlorpheniramine in the elderly because of the high incidence of anticholinergic effects
- Drug clearance is reduced with advanced age and poses a greater risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects and toxicity
- Chlorpheniramine may exacerbate existing lower urinary conditions or prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
Summary
Chlorpheniramine is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve symptoms of colds and allergies including sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes. Common side effects of chlorpheniramine include central nervous system depression, sedation ranging from mild drowsiness to deep sleep (most frequent), dizziness, lack of energy (lassitude), impaired coordination, muscular weakness, restlessness, faintness, insomnia, euphoria, nervousness, irritability, delirium, and others. Consult your doctor before taking chlorpheniramine if pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Latex AllergyLatex allergy is a condition where the body reacts to latex, a natural product derived from the rubber tree. The reaction can either be delayed and cause a skin rash or immediate, which can lead to anaphylaxis. Avoiding latex is the most effective way to prevent an allergic reaction.
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What Are the Best Treatments for Allergic Conjunctivitis?Learn what medical treatments can ease allergic conjunctivitis symptoms and help speed up your eye allergy recovery.
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Peanut AllergyPeanut allergies cause signs and symptoms that include hives, itching, redness, and a rash. Severe reactions may cause decreased blood pressure, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, nausea, and behavioral changes. Someone with a peanut allergy should have an EpiPen with them at all times.
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What Causes Allergy Flare-ups?During certain seasons, allergies can make you miserable. Learn what causes allergy flare-ups during spring and summer.
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What Is the Most Common Tree Nut Allergy?The most common nut allergies are cashew, walnut, hazelnut and pistachio. In the U.S. the most common nut allergy is cashew, followed by walnut. In the U.K. the most common nut allergy is hazelnut.
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Why Won’t My Allergy Symptoms Go Away?Allergies happen when your body's immune system reacts to certain substances as though they are harmful. Allergy symptoms may not go away unless you avoid your triggers, stick to your medications, find the right combination of medications, and consider surgery.
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Drug AllergyDrug or medication allergies are caused when the immune system mistakenly creates an immune response to a medication. Symptoms of a drug allergic reaction include hives, rash, itchy skin or eyes, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, fainting, and anxiety. The most common drugs that people are allergic to include penicillins and penicillin type drugs, sulfa drugs, insulin, and iodine. Treatment may involve antihistamines or corticosteroids. An EpiPen may be used for life-threatening anaphylactic symptoms.
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COVID-19 vs. AllergiesThough there is some overlap in allergy and COVID-19 signs and symptoms there are also significant differences. Symptoms that they have in common include headache, fatigue, tiredness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and sore throat. Fever does not occur with allergies but is one of the defining symptoms of COVID-19 infections.
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How Can I Help My Child With a Peanut Allergy?Since there is no cure for peanut allergies, prevention and keeping an epinephrine injector (EpiPen) on hand is key to helping your child’s allergy.
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What Foods Cause Oral Allergy Syndrome?Oral allergy syndrome, also called pollen food allergy syndrome or PFAS, is a type of food allergy caused by certain allergens found in both pollen and raw vegetables and fruits and some nuts. Foods that cause oral allergy syndrome include those in the birch, grass and ragweed families.
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What Are the Symptoms of Ragweed Allergy?The common symptoms of ragweed allergy are sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery red eyes, headache, nasal congestion, eye swelling, rashes and coughing.
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Is Food Intolerance the Same as Food Allergy?Food intolerance is a condition in which an individual has difficulty in digesting certain foods. Consumption of these foods manifests as physical symptoms such as bloating, loose motion, gases, and bellyache. Food intolerance is quite common. Most people are aware of the foods that disagree with them.
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Is Allergic Conjunctivitis the Same as Conjunctivitis?Allergic conjunctivitis may occur along with sneezing, runny nose, or sinus headache. Many people also find that they are tired and feel agitated.
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How Do You Get Tested for Food Allergies?If you develop symptoms of a food allergy, your doctor will have you undergo a skin test or blood test to determine which foods you are allergic to.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Are Hives Always Caused by an Allergy?
- Sesame Seed Allergy: A Growing Problem?
- Colds: 10 Tips to Prevent The Common Cold
- Cough, Cold, Weight Loss Drug Dangerous - Warning
- Questions To Ask Your Doctor - Allergy
- Can Milk Allergy Cause Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Do Allergy Drugs Interact with Synthroid?
- Allergy to Stinging Insects Can Be Life Threatening
- Cold Sore Treatment
- OTC Cold and Cough Medications
- When to Call the Doctor for Fever, Nausea, Diarrhea, Colds, and Coughs
- Air Travel, Colds, and Sinus Infections
Medications & Supplements
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https://reference.medscape.com/drug/chlortrimeton-chlorpheniramine-343386#0
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682543.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501530/