$Unique_ID{BRK03120}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{dexchlorpheniramine}
$Subject{Dexchlor Henry Schein Poladex Major Polaramine Schering Repetabs
Antihistamine dexchlorpheniramine histamine allergic reaction allergy}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Polaramine Repetabs*0312001.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


dexchlorpheniramine
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Dexchlor (Henry Schein)
     dexchlorpheniramine (various manufacturers)
     Poladex (Major)
     Polaramine (Schering)
     Polaramine Repetabs (Schering)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihistamine

INGREDIENT

     dexchlorpheniramine

DOSAGE FORMS

     Tablets (2 mg)
     Repeat-action tablets (4 mg and 6 mg)
     Oral syrup (2 mg per 5-ml spoonful, with 6% alcohol)

STORAGE

     Dexchlorpheniramine tablets and oral syrup should be stored at room
temperature in tightly closed containers.

USES

     This medication belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines
(antihistamines block the action of histamine, a chemical that is released by
the body during an allergic reaction).  It is used to treat or prevent
symptoms of allergy.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach upset, you can take dexchlorpheniramine with food or
with a full glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do
otherwise).
     The syrup form of this medication should be measured carefully with a
specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not
accurate enough for medical applications and does not ensure that you receive
the proper dose.
     The repeat-action tablet form of this medication should be swallowed
whole.  Breaking, chewing, or crushing these tablets destroys their
sustained-release activity and may increase the side effects.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision; confusion; constipation; diarrhea; difficult or painful
urination; dizziness; dry mouth, throat, or nose; headache; irritability; loss
of appetite; nausea; rash; restlessness; ringing or buzzing in the ears;
stomach upset; or unusual increase in sweating.  These side effects should
disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you experience mouth or throat dryness, you may wish to chew sugarless
gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to minimize these side
effects.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
from a sitting or lying position slowly, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
changes in menstruation, clumsiness, feeling faint, flushing of the face,
hallucinations, seizures, shortness of breath, sleeping disorders, sore throat
or fever, palpitations, tightness in the chest, unusual bleeding or bruising,
or unusual tiredness or weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Dexchlorpheniramine interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of it with central nervous system depressants (such as
alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants,
narcotics, pain medications, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with
tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness.
     2. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (such as isocarboxazid, pargyline,
phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) can increase the side effects of this
medication.  At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug and the use
of an MAO inhibitor.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to dexchlorpheniramine or other antihistamines
(such as astemizole, azatadine, brompheniramine, carbinoxamine,
chlorpheniramine, clemastine, cyproheptadine, dimenhydrinate, dimethindene,
diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, phenidamine,
promethazine, pyrilamine, terfenadine, trimeprazine, tripelennamine, and
triprolidine).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma, blood
vessel disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, kidney disease, peptic ulcers,
enlarged prostate gland, or thyroid disease.
     * Dexchlorpheniramine can cause drowsiness or dizziness.  Your ability to
perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment, may be decreased.  Appropriate caution
should, therefore, be taken.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.  It is
recommended that use of this drug be avoided during the last three months of
pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of dexchlorpheniramine pass into breast milk and may cause unusual
excitement or irritability in nursing infants.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.