Dexchlorpheniramine
Description
Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that is used to prevent or treat allergic reactions like hay fever or urticaria caused by pollen, dust, or animal hair. It is also used to treat common cold symptoms. Use of this medicine by breastfeeding women and asthmatic patients is not recommended.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Dexchlorpheniramine
- Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Hypersensitivity
- Heart Rhythm disorders
Uses of Dexchlorpheniramine
What is it prescribed for?
- Allergic conditions
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 30-60 minutes of administration of the dose.
- Duration of effectDexchlorpheniramine remains active in the body for a duration of 4-8 hours after administration of the dose.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol together with Dexchlorpheniramine increases the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty in concentrating. It is advised that you do not consume alcohol or limit its use when being treated with Dexchlorpheniramine. Avoid performing activities that need high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if alcohol and Dexchlorpheniramine are used together.
- Is it habit forming?Habit forming tendencies were not reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless strictly indicated. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless strictly indicated. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to Dexchlorpheniramine or any other components present in this medication.
Neonates and premature infants
.This medicine is not recommended for use in children under the age of 2 years due to the risk of serious side effects.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Dexchlorpheniramine is not recommended for use in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) since it may cause increased difficulty in passing urine.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
Use of Dexchlorpheniramine is not recommended if the patient has taken MAO inhibitors like selegiline or rasagiline within the last 14 days. Their combination may increase the risk of adverse effects like drowsiness and blurred vision.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless strictly indicated. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless strictly indicated. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
General warnings
Geriatric use
This medicine should be used with caution in individuals who are 60 years old and above due to an increased risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and low blood pressure. Appropriate dose adjustments should be made under your doctor's supervision.
Pediatric use
This medicine is not recommended for use in children under the age of 2 years due to the risk of serious side effects.
CNS depression
It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery while receiving this medicine since it increases the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty with concentration.
Alcohol
It is advised that you do not consume alcohol with Dexchlorpheniramine due to an increase in the risk of side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty with concentration.
Missed Dose
If a dose of Dexchlorpheniramine is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol together with Dexchlorpheniramine increases the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty in concentrating. It is advised that you do not consume alcohol or limit its use when being treated with Dexchlorpheniramine. Avoid performing activities that need high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if alcohol and Dexchlorpheniramine are used together.
Interaction with Medicine
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Anxiolytics
Disease interactions
Gastrointestinal blockage
Use of Dexchlorpheniramine in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction is not recommended since it may worsen the condition. The risk is especially higher in elderly patients.
Glaucoma
Use of Dexchlorpheniramine in patients with glaucoma is not recommended since it may increase the intraocular pressure, leading to an increased risk of vision problems. This risk is especially higher in elderly patients.
Asthma
Use of Dexchlorpheniramine in patients with asthma/COPD is not recommended since it may increase the risk of further lung problems like respiratory tract blockage. This risk is especially higher in elderly patients.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Strictly follow the instructions on the label and take Dexchlorpheniramine only as directed. Do not take more than what is prescribed. It is advised that you inform the doctor about all the medicines or herbal products that you are using and about all your medical conditions before taking this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Dexchlorpheniramine blocks the action of certain substances produced by the body which induces allergic reactions.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antihistamines
Schedule
Schedule H
Dexchlorpheniramine maleate solution [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 12 July 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 12 July 2017]. Available from:
Dexchlorpheniramine maleate - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 12 July 2017]. Available from:
Dexchlorpheniramine [Internet]. Snomedbrowser.com. 2017 [cited 12 July 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 8 Jan 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.