Chlorpheniramine and Phenylpropanolamine

Generic Name : Chlorpheniramine and Phenylpropanolamine

TradeName : Cosome Exp, Flemout, Synabron-M Exp., Xecof SYR, Allerest, Contac, Ornade

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : The combination of chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine) and phenylpropanolamine (a decongestant) relieves itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny or stuffy nose caused by hay fever, allergies, and the common cold.

When it is to be taken : This combination of drugs usually is taken every four or 12 hours as needed. Follow the instructions on the label carefully. Do not take this drug more often or take more doses in a 24-hours period than as directed on the label.

How it should be taken : This medication comes in the form of regular tablets, chewable tablets, extended-release (long-acting) tablets and capsules, and regular oral liquid. The label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets

Special Instruction :
This medication can cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Side Effects :
1. Dry mouth, nose, and throat. Suck sugarless lozenges or hard candy, chew sugarless gum, or drink fluids.
2. Upset stomach. Take the medication with meals or milk.
3. Nervousness, dizziness, sleeplessness, excitement, prolonged drowsiness, skin rash, vision problems, difficulty urinating, muscle weakness, chest tightness, fast heartbeat, headache. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
2. If you have asthma, glaucoma, an ulcer, difficulty urinating , heart disese, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not use this drug unless your doctor is aware of your condition and directs you to take it.
3. Do not take chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine without your doctor's advice and supervision if you regularly take medication for high blood pressure, seizures, or depression; sleeping pills; sedatives; tranquilizers; muscle relaxants; narcotics; or other cold or allergy medication. Do not take chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine if you have taken an monoaminooxidase inhibitors like isocarboxazide, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last two weeks.
4. Do not give extended-release tablets or capsules to a child younger than 12 years of age and do not give regular tablets, liquid, or chewable tablets to a child younger than six years of age unless directed to do so by a doctor.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container in came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.
3. Do not allow the liquid to freeze.