Nalex-A

Chlorpheniramine and phenyltoloxamine are antihistamines that help lessen the effects of histamine, a natural chemical in the body. Histamine can lead to symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that reduces the size of blood vessels in the nasal passages. When blood vessels are enlarged, it can lead to nasal congestion (a stuffy nose).

Nalex-A is a combination medicine that treats cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Nalex-A will not treat a cough caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Nalex-A 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 use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. 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.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

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.

Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache 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 past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

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

To ensure this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have:

• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
• high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease;
• glaucoma;
• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;
• bladder obstruction or other urination issues;
• pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland);
• overactive thyroid; 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 Nalex-A will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

This medicine can pass into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may also reduce breast milk production. 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; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• fast or uneven heart rate;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• painful or difficult urination, little or no urinating;
• tremors, seizure (convulsions); or
• vision changes, severe dizziness, feeling faint.

Common side effects of Nalex-A may include:

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• upset stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation;
• blurred vision;
• sleep problems (insomnia); 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.

Since Nalex-A is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly 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 attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Nalex-A.

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

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

Avoid getting overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Chlorpheniramine and phenyltoloxamine can reduce sweating, making you more likely to suffer from heat stroke.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when taken together. Not all possible interactions are included in this medication guide.

Taking Nalex-A with other medications that cause sleepiness or slow your breathing can make these effects worse. Ask your doctor before taking Nalex-A with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.