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R-Tanna

Generic name: chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine

Brand names: Actifed Cold and Allergy, Allerest PE, ChlorTan D, Cold and Allergy Relief, Ed A-Hist, Giltuss Allergy and Sinus, NoHist LQ, Phenagil, Sinus and Allergy Maximum Strength, Sinus and Allergy PE, Sudafed PE Sinus and Allergy, Allan Tannate Pediatric, BP Allergy JR, Dallergy Drops, Ed ChlorPed D, R-Tanna

Used for nasal congestion
Last updated November 3, 2026 0 views
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What is R-Tanna?

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

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

R-Tanna is a combination medicine that treats symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, such as sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

R-Tanna may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

How should I take R-Tanna?

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. 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.

You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.

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

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.

This medication can cause unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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Warnings

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use R-Tanna if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine.

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, tranylcypromine, and others.

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

  • asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough due to smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;
  • a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
  • kidney or liver disease;
  • high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease, or recent heart attack;
  • enlarged prostate or urination issues;
  • glaucoma;
  • diabetes;
  • epilepsy or other seizure disorders;
  • pheochromocytoma (a tumor on the adrenal gland);
  • overactive thyroid; or
  • if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).

It is not known if R-Tanna will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known if chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine pass into breast milk or if they could harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may also reduce breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to experience side effects from this medicine.

Liquid cold medicine with artificial sweeteners may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.

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R-Tanna side effects

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

R-Tanna can cause serious side effects. Stop using R-Tanna and contact your doctor right away if you experience:

  • chest pain, fast heartbeat, or an uneven heart rate;
  • confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not there, severe anxiety;
  • shaking, seizures (convulsions);
  • little or no urination;
  • easy bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness; or
  • very high blood pressure (severe headache, ringing in your ears, anxiety, trouble breathing).

Common side effects of R-Tanna may include:

  • dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;
  • dry nose or mouth;
  • nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, loss of appetite;
  • trouble with memory or focus; or
  • feeling restless or overly excited (especially in children).

This is not a full list of side effects, and others may happen. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.

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What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cold medicine is taken as needed, you may not have a regular dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I overdose?

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

This medication may affect your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that needs you to be alert.

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

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or sleep medicine. R-Tanna is found in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can lead to getting too much of a specific drug. Check the label to see if a medicine has an antihistamine or decongestant.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What other drugs will affect R-Tanna?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using R-Tanna if you are taking any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can make these effects worse. Ask your doctor before taking R-Tanna with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.