Dexchlorpheniramine maleate (By mouth)

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Introduction

Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate (dex-klor-fen-IR-a-meen MAL-ee-ate)

Treats sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms of seasonal allergies. Also treats skin hives and swelling caused by allergic reactions.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dexchlorpheniramine. You should not use this medicine if you are using an MAO inhibitor such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®). Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. It is best to use this medicine at bedtime.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any allergies.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have a blocked digestive tube, diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, problems with urination due to enlarged prostate, blocked bladder, stomach ulcer, or thyroid disease.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have breathing problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Tell your doctor if you have a cough caused by smoking, or breathing problems.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Dizziness, confusion, or agitation.
• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat.
• Fever.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arm, legs, or feet.
• Pale skin or pale lip color.
• Seizure.
• Trouble breathing, wheezing, or cough with mucus.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Confusion, feeling restless or excited.
• Changes in your menstrual period.
• Mild skin rash, itching, or redness.
• Mild nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or stomach pain.
• Ringing in your ears, headache.
• Stuffy nose, dry mouth, nose, or throat.
• Trouble sleeping or weakness.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.