What is this medicine?
CHLORPHENIRAMINE; DEXTROMETHORPHAN; PHENYLEPHRINE (klor fen IR a meen; dex troe meth OR fan; fen il EF rin) is a combination of an antihistamine, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies and the common 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:
-diabetes
-eczema
-glaucoma
-heart disease
-high blood pressure
-lung or breathing disease, like asthma
-phenylketonuria
-stomach ulcer
-taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
-thyroid disease
-trouble passing urine
-an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine; dextromethorphan; phenylephrine, 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 label. Use the dropper that was provided with this medicine to measure each dose. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. 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 selected conditions, precautions do apply. Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years old.
Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need a smaller dose.
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
-medicines for cold, cough, or allergy
-medicines for weight loss
-procarbazine
-some medicines for migraine headaches
-stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-alcohol
-barbiturates like phenobarbital
-mecamylamine
-medicines for chest pain, heart disease, high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems
-medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-medicines for sleep
-reserpine
-some herbal or nutritional supplements
-some medicines for Parkinson's disease
-some medicines for pain
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you have a fever, skin rash, or persistent headache, see your doctor. Do not take this medicine for more than one week unless directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
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. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
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
-cold, clammy skin
-feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-fast or irregular heartbeat
-hallucinations
-high blood pressure
-seizures
-tremors
-trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
-unusually weak or tired
-vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-diarrhea
-headache
-loss of appetite
-nervous or restless
-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). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
