Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine

Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine is a combination medicine that helps relieve cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes due to allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine more than what is recommended on the label. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use.

Your dose may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Follow all directions when giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the liquid medicine bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Do not use chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Do not use chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. This could cause a dangerous drug interaction. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before taking chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe for you if you have:

• a chronic cough, or a cough with mucus;
• breathing problems such as asthma or COPD;
• high blood pressure, heart disease;
• glaucoma;
• urination problems due to an enlarged prostate;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or any other oral nasal decongestant or stimulant.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

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

Stop using chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• dizziness, nervousness, trouble sleeping (insomnia); or
• a cough or stuffy nose that goes away and then comes back, or lasts more than 7 days.

Common side effects of chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine may include:

• drowsiness; or
• agitation (especially in children).

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

Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine is used as needed. If you miss a dose while on a dosing schedule, skip it. Do not take two doses at the same time.

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

• Drinking alcohol with chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine can cause side effects.

• Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicines that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are mentioned here.