What is this medicine?
DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE; DEXTROMETHORPHAN; PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (dex klor fen EER a meen; dex troe meth OR fan; soo doe e FED rin)is a combination of an antihistamine, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant. It is used to treat the symptoms of sinusitis, a cold or allergies. 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, other lung disease
-diabetes
-eczema
-glaucoma
-heart disease, high blood pressure
-prostate trouble or difficulty passing urine
-stomach ulcer
-thyroid disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, 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 with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before each use. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take with food or milk. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine 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 2 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
-medicines for blood pressure
-medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-medicines for sleep
-some medicines for cold, cough or allergy
-stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve 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.
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
-agitated, nervous, excitable
-breathing problems
-changes in vision
-fast, irregular heartbeat
-hallucinations
-high or low blood pressure
-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
-loss of appetite
-sleepy
-stomach upset, nausea
-trouble sleeping
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
