Sunday, 17 October 2010

Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets


Pronunciation: dex-klor-fen-IR-a-meen
Generic Name: Dexchlorpheniramine
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.


Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets are used for:

Relieving symptoms of sinus congestion, sinus pressure, runny nose, watery eyes, itching of the nose and throat, and sneezing due to upper respiratory infections (eg, colds), allergies, and hay fever. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets are an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine, which helps reduce symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing.


Do NOT use Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets

  • you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB) or if you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

  • you are breast-feeding

  • the patient is a newborn or premature infant

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets:


Some medical conditions may interact with Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

  • if you have a history of asthma, lung problems (eg, emphysema), heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart blood vessel problems, stroke, glaucoma, a blockage of your stomach or intestines, ulcers, a blockage of your bladder, trouble urinating, an enlarged prostate, seizures, or an overactive thyroid

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Furazolidone, MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), sodium oxybate (GHB), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because side effects of Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets may be increased

  • Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because side effects may be increased by Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets:


Use Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets may be taken with or without food.

  • Swallow Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

  • If you miss a dose of Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets.



Important safety information:


  • Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets. Using Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets. Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.

  • Do NOT exceed the recommended dose or take Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

  • If your symptoms do not improve within 5 to 7 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.

  • Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets should not be used to treat asthma or other lower respiratory tract (eg, lung) problems.

  • If you are scheduled for allergy skin testing, do not take Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets for several days before the test because it may decrease your response to the skin tests.

  • Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets.

  • Use Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, drowsiness, and low blood pressure.

  • Caution is advised when using Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets in CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • Use Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 6 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets during pregnancy. It is unknown if Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets are excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets.


Possible side effects of Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, or throat; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; tremor; trouble sleeping; vision changes.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Dexchlorpheniramine side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; confusion; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; and vomiting.


Proper storage of Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets:

Store Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Dexchlorpheniramine Controlled-Release Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Dexchlorpheniramine resources


  • Dexchlorpheniramine Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Dexchlorpheniramine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Dexchlorpheniramine Drug Interactions
  • Dexchlorpheniramine Support Group
  • 2 Reviews for Dexchlorpheniramine - Add your own review/rating


Compare Dexchlorpheniramine with other medications


  • Allergic Reactions
  • Hay Fever

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