Carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine

Carbetapentane is a medicine that helps stop coughing.

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that helps reduce the effects of histamine, a natural chemical in the body. Histamine can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine is a combination medicine used to treat coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes caused by allergies or the common cold.

This medicine will not treat a cough caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine may also be used for other reasons not listed in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms go away.

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before measuring a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

This medication can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Do not use carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. This could lead to a dangerous drug interaction. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to carbetapentane or chlorpheniramine.

To ensure that carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have:

• blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
• bladder obstruction or other urination problems;
• glaucoma;
• liver or kidney disease;
• thyroid disorder;
• heart disease, high or low blood pressure;
• asthma or other breathing disorder; or
• if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known if carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine may cause serious side effects. Stop using carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
• severe headache, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions);
• severe dizziness or drowsiness;
• vision problems;
• little or no urinating;
• tremors, severe restlessness; or
• seizures (convulsions).

Common side effects of carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine may include:

• constipation, diarrhea;
• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite;
• weakness, mild dizziness or drowsiness;
• anxiety, feeling nervous or excited; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

This medication may cause blurred vision and may affect your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Drinking alcohol can increase some side effects of carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines and cough suppressants are found in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can lead to getting too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or cough suppressant.

Taking carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine with other medications that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing can make these effects worse. Check with your doctor before using carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine along with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain reliever, muscle relaxant, or medication for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other medicines may interact with carbetapentane and chlorpheniramine, including both prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform all your healthcare providers about all the medicines you are currently using and any medicines you begin or stop using.