What is this medicine?
CHLORPHENIRAMINE; DEXTROMETHORPHAN (klor fen IR a meen; dex troe meth OR fan) is a combination of an antihistamine and a cough suppressant. It is used to treat the symptoms of a cold. This medicine will not treat an infection.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-asthma
-heart disease
-glaucoma
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-long lasting (chronic) cough
-prostate problems
-taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
-an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the package label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. 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.
What if I miss a dose?
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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.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-alcohol
-barbiturates, like phenobarbital
-furazolidone
-linezolid
-medicines for sleep
-other medicines for cold, cough or allergy
-procarbazine
-some herbal or nutritional supplements like St. John's Wort
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. See your doctor if the symptoms last more than 7 days or if a fever, rash, or long lasting headache is also present. Coughs that last more than 7 days or come back can be a sign of a serious health condition.
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.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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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
-confused, faint, lightheaded
-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):
-constipation
-dry mouth, nose, throat
-drowsy, sleepy
-headache
-stomach upset, nausea
-difficulty sleeping
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
