Do you sneeze often? Do you have a runny nose? Or do your eyes become red and watery with itching? These could be due to an allergic reaction or a cold, right? So, one of the medications that doctors use to relieve these discomforts is chlorpheniramine . Today, we'll talk about this medication, especially the extended-release version , which means that the medication is absorbed into the body and provides relief throughout the day.
Let's first see what this medicine is? (About Chlorpheniramine)
Simply put, Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine . Now you may be wondering what this antihistamine is. When our body has an allergy, a chemical called “histamine” is produced. This histamine is what causes sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and sometimes skin rashes. So, what these antihistamines do is reduce the activity of that histamine. Then those uncomfortable symptoms gradually decrease.
This medicine is mainly used for:
- For frequent sneezing
- Runny nose
- For allergy symptoms like itchy , watery eyes
- It is also used to control the symptoms of some allergic reactions.
But one thing to remember. This medicine only reduces the symptoms of an allergy. If there is an infection, this medicine will not treat it. It needs to be treated separately.
This medicine may come under different names in the market, for example `(Chlor-Trimeton Allergy 12 Hour)`, `(Chlorphen SR)`. But what is important is the name and dosage of the medicine that the doctor or pharmacist prescribed for you.
What are the things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine?
Before you use this medicine, you should definitely inform your doctor about some conditions, as using this medicine with these conditions may cause problems.
Here are some situations that need to be reported:
- Glaucoma: This is a condition in which the pressure in the eye increases. This medicine can sometimes increase the pressure in the eye a little more.
- Heart disease : If you have heart disease.
- High blood pressure: If the pressure is high.
- Respiratory diseases : Lung-related diseases, for example , conditions like asthma .
- Difficulty urinating: If you have pain when urinating, or if you feel like you have difficulty urinating.
- Prostate problems: If men have prostate problems.
- Stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. This is very important.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
By giving this information to your doctor, he or she can advise you exactly whether this medication is right for you or not, or what precautions you should take.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
When using a medication, the most important thing is to use it exactly as directed.
- This medicine is to be taken orally. Drink it with a full glass of water.
- Follow the instructions on the prescription label given to you by your doctor exactly.
- Since this is an extended-release medication, do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Doing so may cause the medication to be absorbed into the body too quickly and have an unwanted effect. Swallow the tablet/capsule whole.
- Take your doses at the same time, at the same intervals.
- Do not take more medicine than the doctor tells you to.
Should we give this medicine to little ones?
It is important to talk to a pediatrician before deciding whether to give this medicine to children. In some selected cases, this medicine can be prescribed to children as young as 12 years old . However, special precautions must be followed. Therefore, it is not advisable to give this medicine to children without medical advice.
People over 60 years of age should also be taken care of.
If an elderly person (over 60 years of age) is taking this medication, they may feel the effects of this medication a little stronger. Therefore, they are usually prescribed a smaller dose.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
Oh, did you forget to take a dose? If so, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Doing so may increase the dose.
Another important thing: This medicine has been prescribed for you by your doctor. Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What are the interactions with this medicine?
There are some medications, foods, and drinks that can cause problems when taken with Chlorpheniramine. We call these "drug interactions."
Here are some such things:
- Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Barbiturates: Some medications that help you sleep, some medications that treat seizures.
- MAOI drugs: These are a type of medication used to treat mental illness (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate). Taking chlorpheniramine with these can be dangerous.
- Other allergy medications: If you are already taking another allergy medication, tell your doctor about it.
- Medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses.
- Medicines for sleep.
- Some antibiotics : For example, some antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin.
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed or over-the-counter), herbs, vitamins (dietary supplements), and if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. He or she can then make sure that this medication is safe for you.
Things to consider when taking medication
There are a few things you need to pay attention to when taking Chlorpheniramine.
- See your doctor regularly: See your doctor regularly to check how the medication is working for you. If your symptoms don't improve or seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor .
- Dry mouth: This medication may cause dry mouth. This can be relieved by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free hard candy, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. If this problem persists, or if it is severe, talk to your doctor .
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: Some people may experience dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience some discomfort. Using lubricating eye drops may help. If this problem persists, or if it is severe, see an eye doctor.
- Drowsiness or dizziness: Some people may feel drowsy or dizzy when taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not get up suddenly from a standing or sitting position, especially if you are elderly. Doing so can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
- Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can interfere with the effects of this medication and can also increase drowsiness. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol.
- Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be a little more sensitive to sunlight while taking this medicine. So avoid strong sunlight as much as possible. If you go outside, wear clothing that covers your body, use sunscreen, and do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine? (Side Effects)
Like any medicine, chlorpheniramine can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them, but some people do.
Side effects that you should tell a doctor about immediately:
If you experience any of these side effects, tell your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
- Breathing problems.
- Changes in vision.
- Confused, agitated, nervous.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Feeling faint, dizzy.
- Seizures.
- Tremor.
- Trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine.
- Unusual sweating.
- Feeling unusually weak or tired.
Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist:
These side effects are usually not serious, but if they persist, it's a good idea to tell your doctor if they bother you.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Drowsy.
- Dry mouth, nose, throat.
- Headache.
- Loss of appetite.
- Stomach upset, vomiting.
- Trouble sleeping.
This list is not all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual in addition to these, please consult your doctor.
How do you keep this medicine safe?
It is also very important to keep your medication safe.
- Keep out of reach of children. This is very important, as if small children get hold of the medicine, it can have dangerous consequences.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Keep the medicine bottle/packet tightly closed.
- Do not use expired medications. Throw them away.
The most important thing (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so we've talked a lot about chlorpheniramine, haven't we? Remember, this is an antihistamine that relieves some of the symptoms of allergies and colds.
Let's remind ourselves of the most important things again:
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, and as directed.
- Don't forget to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have or any other medications you are taking.
- Be aware of side effects. If you notice anything serious, see a doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else.
- Be aware of drowsiness as it may occur. Be careful when driving or performing other tasks that require attention.
I hope this article has given you some idea about this medicine. However, this is not a complete description. If you have any further questions, please ask your doctor or pharmacist. They are the ones who can give you the most appropriate advice. Stay healthy!
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