Chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine

Chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine is a combination medicine that helps relieve symptoms of coughs, colds, and allergies.

Chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine 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. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use.

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.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child.

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

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

You should not use chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine if you have severe coronary artery disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, asthma, pneumonia, or other breathing problems.

Do not use chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine 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, and tranylcypromine.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.

Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy.

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

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, pyrilamine, or other decongestants, or if you have:

• severe coronary artery disease;
• diabetes;
• overactive thyroid; or
• asthma, pneumonia, or other breathing problems.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• blood circulation problems;
• glaucoma;
• an ulcer or obstruction in the stomach;
• enlarged prostate;
• bladder obstruction or other urination problems; or
• a history of seizures.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

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

• confusion, hallucinations;
• feeling nervous or irritable;
• trouble sleeping;
• little or no urination;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• numbness or tingling;
• feeling light-headed, like you might faint;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

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

• nausea, constipation, loss of appetite;
• rash or itching;
• increased sweating;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• blurred vision;
• headache, dizziness; or
• feeling restless or excited (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 may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, extreme drowsiness, confusion, ringing in your ears, tremors, seizures, dilated pupils, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.

Chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

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

Chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine could make you more likely to get sunburned. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Using chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can make this effect worse. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using.