Chlorpheniramine is a widely used and affordable first-generation antihistamine that provides effective relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching. It is commonly used for treating seasonal allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. Known for its long history of clinical use, chlorpheniramine remains a trusted option for managing mild to moderate allergic reactions.
What is Chlorpheniramine?
Chlorpheniramine (also called chlorpheniramine maleate tablet) belongs to the alkylamine class of antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, preventing the action of histamine, a natural substance involved in allergic reactions. This reduces common allergy symptoms.
It is marketed under various brand names such as Chlor-Trimeton and Diabetic Tussin. Unlike newer antihistamines (like loratadine or cetirizine), chlorpheniramine can cross the blood-brain barrier, which contributes to sedation or drowsiness in some users.
What are the Uses of Chlorpheniramine?
Chlorpheniramine tablet effectively treats a wide range of allergic conditions and provides significant relief from associated symptoms. This versatile medication addresses multiple allergic manifestations throughout the body.
As a component in multi-ingredient cold and cough preparations
The medication alleviates symptoms like sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, and itchy throat or skin, making it particularly valuable during allergy seasons.
Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup Uses
Chlorpheniramine maleate syrup is an oral antihistamine commonly used to relieve symptoms associated with allergies, colds, and other respiratory conditions. It is especially useful in children and adults who prefer or require a liquid form.
How Does Chlorpheniramine Work?
Chlorpheniramine functions through a specific mechanism that targets the root cause of allergic symptoms, providing relief by interrupting the allergic response pathway.
Chlorpheniramine maleate works primarily by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the body. When allergens enter your body, they trigger the release of histamine, which binds to H1 receptors on various cells. This binding causes the symptoms associated with allergies, such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
As an inverse agonist of the histamine H1 receptor, chlorpheniramine not only prevents histamine from binding to the receptor but also reduces the receptor's constitutive activity, providing more effective symptom relief.
Additionally, chlorpheniramine has anticholinergic effects, blocking acetylcholine receptors. This action helps dry up secretions like runny nose and watery eyes. Unlike newer antihistamines, chlorpheniramine can cross the blood-brain barrier, which explains both its sedative effects and its efficacy for certain conditions.
How to take Chlorpheniramine?
Chlorpheniramine is available in various forms including tablets, capsules, extended-release tablets, chewable tablets, and liquids.
The regular capsules, tablets, and liquids should be taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Extended-release tablets are typically taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, as required.
It's important to adhere to the dosage instructions provided on the prescription label, and consult your doctor if clarification is needed.
Chlorpheniramine may be combined with fever and pain reducers, expectorants, cough suppressants, and decongestants for enhanced efficacy.
Consult your doctor for advice on the best usage of medications for optimal results.
Avoid giving chlorpheniramine maleate products intended for adults to children, and ensure the dosage matches the child's age as indicated in the table.
Over-the-counter cough and cold combination products containing chlorpheniramine may pose serious risks to young children, including death.
Chlorpheniramine Dosage
Proper dosing of chlorpheniramine is essential for achieving optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing potential side effects. The dosage varies depending on age, formulation, and specific condition being treated.
Typical Dosage Instructions
For Adults and Children 12 years and older:
Regular tablets/syrup: 4 mg orally every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 24 mg per day
Extended-release tablets: 8 mg orally every 8-12 hours or 12 mg every 12 hours
Extended-release capsules: 12 mg orally once daily
For Children 6-11 years:
Regular tablets/syrup: 2 mg orally every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 12 mg per day
Extended-release formulations are typically not recommended
For Children 2-5 years:
Liquid formulation: 1 mg (2.5 ml) every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 6 mg per day
This dosing applies specifically to chlorpheniramine maleate syrup uses in young children and should not be exceeded.
For Elderly patients:
Reduced dose of 4 mg once daily or every 12 hours is recommended
Extended-release: 8 mg at bedtime
Use with caution due to increased risk of anticholinergic effects
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Chlorpheniramine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one .
What Happens if an Overdose Occurs?
Overdose symptoms may include:
Extreme drowsiness
Confusion
Weakness
Ringing in the ears
Dilated pupils
Flushed face
Seizures (in severe cases)
In case of suspected overdose, seek emergency medical attention, You may also visit our hospital for immediate medical support.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
While chlorpheniramine is generally well-tolerated, it can cause various side effects ranging from mild to severe. Understanding these potential effects helps users manage their expectations and seek medical attention when necessary
Some of the common side effects of Chlorpheniramine maleate are:
If you experience serious symptoms, contact your doctor promptly. If you experience any adverse reactions to Chlorpheniramine, discontinue use. In most cases, the benefits of this medication outweigh the side effects, and serious side effects are uncommon.
However, seek medical assistance immediately if you experience any severe side effects.You can also consult our general medicine doctors for proper evaluation and guidance.
Precautions while taking Chlorpheniramine
Taking certain precautions can help ensure the safe and effective use of Chlorpheniramine. Always discuss your full medical history and current medications with your doctor before starting this treatment.
Before You Begin
Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to Chlorpheniramine maleate or any inactive ingredients in the tablet or syrup.
Mention all prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as some may interact with Chlorpheniramine.
Who Should Avoid Chlorpheniramine
Individuals allergic to Chlorpheniramine maleate or any tablet/syrup components
Patients with severe liver disease
Those with closed-angle glaucoma
Children under 6 years of age (unless specifically directed by a physician)
Anyone currently taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
Conditions Requiring Caution Use Chlorpheniramine only under medical supervision if you have:
Asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory diseases
Glaucoma (narrow-angle or open-angle)
Peptic ulcers or other gastrointestinal disorders
Enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating
Hypertension, heart disease, or thyroid disorders
Diabetes
Kidney disease
Age-Related Considerations
Not recommended for children under 6 years without physician direction
Extended-release formulations generally should not be used in children under 12 years
Elderly patients should receive reduced doses due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic side effects (e.g., confusion, dry mouth, constipation)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Use chlorpheniramine with caution during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Animal studies show risk and no human studies are available or no animal or human studies were conducted. The excretion of chlorpheniramine in milk is unknown.
Alcohol and Food Interactions
Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Chlorpheniramine, as it may exacerbate drowsiness and dizziness
There are no significant food interactions, but taking the medication with food can help minimize stomach upset
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and promptly report any unusual symptoms. For allergy-related concerns or medication guidance, our general medicine Department are here to help. If you experience severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions and report any unusual symptoms or concerns promptly. If you experience severe side effects or allergic reactions, seek medical attention immediately.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
Chlorpheniramine can interact with various medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Understanding these interactions is crucial for safe medication use.
Common Drug Interactions
Chlorpheniramine may interact with:
MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
Always maintain a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you're taking, and share this information with your healthcare providers to avoid potential interactions
How Should Chlorpheniramine Be Stored?
Proper storage of chlorpheniramine helps maintain its effectiveness and prevents accidental ingestion. Following these guidelines ensures the medication remains safe to use throughout its shelf life.
Recommended Storage Temperature
Store chlorpheniramine at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Brief exposure to temperatures between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) is acceptable during transport.
Storage Guidelines
Keep in a tightly closed container
Store in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and direct light
Keep away from freezing temperatures
Store out of reach of children and pets
Do not store in bathroom medicine cabinets, which may be humid
What Happens If Chlorpheniramine Is Not Stored Properly?
Improper storage can lead to:
Reduced effectiveness of the medication
Accelerated degradation of the active ingredient
Potential growth of harmful microorganisms in liquid formulations
Changes in consistency, color, or taste
Possible formation of harmful byproducts
Dispose of any unused or expired medication properly according to local guidelines or pharmacy recommendations.
Chlorpheniramine vs Cetirizine
Chlorpheniramine
Cetirizine
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that helps reduce the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. This medication is used to treat runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, and flu.
Cetirizine is an antihistamine tablet used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes/nose, hives, and itching.
Common side effects of Chlorpheniramine include:
Drowsiness
Dry mouth, nose, and throat
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Constipation
Serious side effects of Cetirizine include:
Fast heartbeat
Weakness
Tired feeling
Nausea
Headache
Chlorpheniramine relieves red, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and runny nose caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. It controls symptoms but does not cure or speed up recovery. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines.
Cetirizine does not prevent hives but is effective in treating serious allergic reactions and provides relief from allergy symptoms. It also belongs to the antihistamine class of drugs.
Chlorpheniramine relieves red, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, itchy nose or throat and runny nose which are caused due to allergies, fever and the common cold. Chlorpheniramine helps in controlling the symptoms of cold and allergies. But medication will not help in speedy recovery. Chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of drug called antihistamines.
Piriton is a brand name for antihistamine called Chlorpheniramine. It can be purchased over-the-counter from pharmacies for relieving allergic reactions and itching. The medicine can make you sleep.
If you take too much of Chlorpheniramine then it can lead to sleepiness, confusion, weakness, blurred vision, large pupils, dry mouth and insomnia.
Avoid using Chlorpheniramine for a longer or smaller period of time. Chlorpheniramine is usually taken only for a short time until the major symptoms are clear up.
Chlorpheniramine maleate is an antihistamine medication commonly used to treat allergy symptoms. While some individuals may misuse it for its sedative effects, it is not typically considered to produce a "high" and can have serious side effects if abused.
Chlorpheniramine is contraindicated in asthma due to its potential to thicken respiratory secretions and worsen airway obstruction. It can exacerbate breathing difficulties and may trigger asthma attacks in some individuals.
For adults, the usual dose of chlorpheniramine is 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours, as needed. Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed 24 mg in 24 hours unless prescribed by a doctor.
Chlorpheniramine 4 mg is used to relieve allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, and itching of the nose or throat. It is commonly used for hay fever, the common cold, and other upper respiratory allergies. As an antihistamine, it works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Chlorpheniramine is generally safe for most people, but it should be used with caution in individuals with heart conditions. It may cause increased heart rate (tachycardia), palpitations, or raise blood pressure in sensitive individuals, especially if taken in high doses or combined with other decongestants like pseudoephedrine.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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