Dexchlorpheniramine and phenylephrine

Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that helps lessen the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that makes blood vessels in the nasal passages smaller.

Dexchlorpheniramine and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Dexchlorpheniramine and phenylephrine may also be used for 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 until your symptoms clear up.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.

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.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use this medicine 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 this medicine only to make a child sleepy.

You should not use dexchlorpheniramine and phenylephrine if you are allergic to dexchlorpheniramine or phenylephrine.

Do not use dexchlorpheniramine and phenylephrine 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.

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

• asthma or other breathing problems such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis;
• high blood pressure or heart disease;
• glaucoma;
• diabetes;
• kidney disease; or
• a thyroid disorder.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine 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.

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

• severe dizziness;
• nervousness, trouble sleeping;
• little or no urination; or
• high blood pressure (severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears).

Common side effects of dexchlorpheniramine and phenylephrine may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• constipation;
• blurred vision; 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 FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3.5 mg-18.5 mg oral tablet, extended release:dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 6 mg-40 mg oral tablet, extended release:1 tablet orally every 12 hours.dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3 mg-20 mg oral tablet, extended release:1 or 2 tablets orally every 12 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Urticaria:

dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3.5 mg-18.5 mg oral tablet, extended release:dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 6 mg-40 mg oral tablet, extended release:1 tablet orally every 12 hours.dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3 mg-20 mg oral tablet, extended release:1 or 2 tablets orally every 12 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3.5 mg-18.5 mg oral tablet, extended release:6 to 11 years: one-half tablet orally every 12 hours12 years or older: 1 tablet orally every 12 hours.dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 6 mg-40 mg oral tablet, extended release:12 years or older: 1 tablet orally every 12 hoursdexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3 mg-20 mg oral tablet, extended release:6 to 11 years: one tablet orally every 12 hours12 years or older:1 or 2 tablets orally every 12 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Urticaria:

dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3.5 mg-18.5 mg oral tablet, extended release:6 to 11 years: one-half tablet orally every 12 hours12 years or older: 1 tablet orally every 12 hours.dexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 6 mg-40 mg oral tablet, extended release:12 years or older: 1 tablet orally every 12 hoursdexchlorpheniramine-phenylephrine 3 mg-20 mg oral tablet, extended release:6 to 11 years: one tablet orally every 12 hours12 years or older:1 or 2 tablets orally every 12 hours.

Since dexchlorpheniramine and phenylephrine is taken as needed, you may not have a set schedule for doses. If you miss a dose and it is almost time for your next one, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

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

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how dexchlorpheniramine and phenylephrine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

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

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of dexchlorpheniramine.

Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures).

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

Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.