There are some days, right after waking up in the morning, you sneeze and sneeze. Your nose runs, your eyes are red and itchy, and sometimes you even scratch your body. Although it starts out like a common cold, most of the time it can be caused by some kind of allergy. So when many of us see a doctor at times like these, the medicine that you know very well is chlorpheniramine, or rather the active ingredient in it.
Simply put, what are these men (Chlorpheniramine) saying?
Chlorpheniramine is a medicine that belongs to the group of medicines called antihistamines. When our body has an allergy, it produces a chemical called histamine in response. This histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes and skin. So, this medicine blocks the action of that histamine and controls the symptoms of allergies.
This is mainly used for:
- Sneezing and runny nose caused by allergies.
- Itchy eyes and tearing.
- For allergic symptoms like skin rashes and itching.
- It is also used to relieve symptoms such as those caused by the common cold.
But remember this: This medicine only controls allergy symptoms. It will not cure a bacterial or viral infection in your body. That requires separate treatment.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing Chlorpheniramine to you, your doctor will need to know a complete history of your health. This is because some conditions require special care when using this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Condition/Occasion | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Eye diseases such as glaucoma | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | It may affect the heart rate. |
| Lung diseases such as asthma | Thickening of mucus can increase breathing difficulties. |
| Difficulty urinating or prostate problems | Difficulty urinating may increase. |
| Stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems | Symptoms may change or increase. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | In these cases, it is essential to seek medical advice about the use of medications. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | This is important to know if you are also allergic to this medication. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Correct dosage
Since this comes in the form of a syrup, it is very important to measure the correct dosage.
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
- To measure the medicine, use only the special spoon, cup, or dropper that comes with it, marked in milliliters (ml). The teaspoons and rice spoons you find in the kitchen at home will not work for this. Their measurements are not accurate.
When given to children and adults
- Young children: Extreme caution should be exercised when giving this medicine to young children. In some special cases, a doctor may prescribe it to children over 2 years of age, but this should only be done under the strict supervision of a doctor. Do not give this medicine to young children without medical advice for any reason.
- Elderly: For people over 65 years of age, a lower dose is usually recommended because they may experience the side effects of this medication, such as drowsiness, more intensely.
What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?
Imagine that you have taken too much medicine by mistake. If this happens , go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Be careful of these things when taking medicine.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: Many people experience drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness after taking this medication. Therefore , you should definitely avoid activities that require a lot of attention, such as driving or operating machinery, while taking this medication. Especially if you are an elderly person, you may feel dizzy when you suddenly get up from a sitting position or get out of bed. Therefore, do such things with caution.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking chlorpheniramine. Alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness worse.
- Dry mouth and eyes: It is common for this medication to cause dry mouth. This can be reduced by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking more water. Your eyes may also become dry. This can be a bit of a problem if you wear contact lenses. You can use lubricating drops for this. If these problems persist, tell your doctor.
- Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be a little sensitive to the sun while taking this medication. So avoid going out in the sun. If you do go out, it is a good idea to wear long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Let's also know about the side effects.
Like any medicine, chlorpheniramine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, rapid breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Mental changes | Confusion, restlessness, agitation. |
| Urination problems | Difficulty urinating or decreased urine output. |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, vision changes, extreme dizziness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness | It is a common condition that occurs in many people. |
| Dry mouth, nose, throat | Drinking water can provide relief. |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation or diarrhea, stomach upset, vomiting. |
| Headache | It is usually mild. |
Take-Home Message
- Chlorpheniramine is a medication that controls allergy symptoms. It does not treat infections.
- Take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Never take more.
- Do not give this medicine to young children without medical advice.
- This medicine may make you drowsy, so do not drive or do anything that requires concentration. Avoid drinking alcohol completely.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- If you accidentally take too much medicine, go to the hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately or contact the National Poisons Information Center.
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