Prescription Drugs

TabletsChemical Name: CHLORPHENIRAMINE (klor-fen-EER-a-meen) and PHENYLEPHRINE (fen-ill-EF-rin)

Common usesThis medicine is an antihistamine and decongestant combination used to relieve congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes due to colds, flu, or hay fever. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before usingSome medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (such as furazolidone or selegiline) within the last 14 days. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking droxidopa or sodium oxybate. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking bromocriptine, entacapone, tolcapone, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, reserpine, thioridazine, or tricyclic antidepressants (such as imipramine or amitriptyline). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including a history of alcohol abuse, breathing problems (such as asthma), bladder or bowel problems (such as blockage), blood vessel problems, diabetes, difficulty urinating, enlarged prostate, glaucoma, heart problems, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, sleep apnea, stomach problems (such as ulcers), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are having an asthma attack or if you are having other lower respiratory tract problems. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have narrow angle glaucoma, severe breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema), severe high blood pressure, severe coronary artery disease, or blood vessel problems. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

DirectionsFOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS for using this medicine provided by your doctor or on the package. DO NOT EXCEED the recommended dose. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Some brands of this medicine may be broken in half before they are taken. If you have difficulty swallowing the whole tablet, ask your pharmacist if your brand may be broken in half. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

CautionsDO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT CERTAIN LAB TEST RESULTS, including allergy skin tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants (such as sleep aids or tranquilizers). Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS OR DROWSINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes other cough-cold products or medicines that cause drowsiness. DO NOT TAKE DIET OR APPETITE CONTROL MEDICINES while you are taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE SLEEPING, ask your pharmacist or doctor about the best time of day to take this medicine. PHENYLKETONURICS: Some brands of this medicine contain aspartame and phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition where you must restrict your intake of phenylalanine, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the safe use of this medicine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine especially dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine especially excitability. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy, especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy. SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS IN THIS MEDICINE are excreted in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while using this medicine.

Possible side effectsSIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include blurred vision; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, or nose; nausea; vomiting; constipation; diarrhea; light-headedness; headache; or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience bladder problems (such as inability to control urination or difficulty urinating); loss of appetite; mental or mood changes; nervousness; restlessness; vision problems (such as sensitivity to light); involuntary trembling; trouble sleeping; disturbed coordination; or unusual tiredness or weakness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; fainting; hallucinations; tightness of chest; severe or persistent dizziness or drowsiness; slow, irregular, or difficult breathing; seizures; or unusual bruising or bleeding. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too muchIf overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual drowsiness or dizziness, severe or persistent nausea or vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, sweating, hallucinations, tremors, seizures, or trouble breathing.

Additional informationIf your symptoms do not improve within 7 days, or if you develop a high fever or persistent headache, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets.