$Unique_ID{BRK03288} $Pretitle{} $Title{phenylpropanolamine and chlorpheniramine combination} $Subject{Allerest 12-Hour Fisons Condrin-LA Hauck Conex Forest Contac Smith Kline Consumer Dehist Forest Demazin Schering Drize Ascher Dura-Vent/A Dura Genamin Goldline Gencold Myminic My-K Labs Oragest Major Ornade Smith Kline French HCl maleate Cord Resaid Geneva Generics Rhinolar-Ex 12 McGregor Ru-Tuss II Boots Triaminic Dorsey Triaminic-12 Sandoz Sandoz Trind Mead Johnson Nutrition Triphenyl Rugby Adrenergic decongestant antihistamine phenylpropanolamine chlorpheniramine upper respiratory tract infections hay fever allergies sinusitis inflammation sinuses constricting narrowing blood vessels nasal passages swelling congestion histamine allergic reaction allergy} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. phenylpropanolamine and chlorpheniramine combination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Allerest 12-Hour [*] (Fisons) Condrin-LA (Hauck) Conex D.A. [*] (Forest) Contac 12-Hour [*] (Smith Kline Consumer) Dehist [*] (Forest) Demazin [*] (Schering) Drize (Ascher) Dura-Vent/A (Dura) Genamin [*] (Goldline) Gencold [*] (Goldline) Myminic [*] (My-K Labs) Oragest T.D. (Major) Ornade (Smith Kline & French) phenylpropanolamine HCl and chlorpheniramine maleate (Cord) Resaid S.R. (Geneva Generics) Rhinolar-Ex 12 (McGregor) Ru-Tuss II (Boots) Triaminic [*] (Dorsey) Triaminic-12 [*] (Sandoz) Trind [*] (Mead Johnson Nutrition) Triphenyl (Rugby) * Available over-the-counter (without a prescription) TYPE OF DRUG Adrenergic (decongestant) and antihistamine INGREDIENTS phenylpropanolamine and chlorpheniramine DOSAGE FORMS Oral tablets (25 mg or 37.5 mg phenylpropanolamine and 4 mg chlorpheniramine) Sustained-release tablets (25 mg phenylpropanolamine and 4 mg chlorpheniramine) Sustained-release capsules (75 mg phenylpropanolamine and 4 mg, 8 mg, 10 mg, or 12 mg chlorpheniramine) Oral syrup (12.5 mg phenylpropanolamine and 2 mg chlorpheniramine per 5-ml spoonful, with 5% or 7.5% alcohol) STORAGE Store this drug at room temperature in a tightly closed container. USES This drug combination is used to relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, hay fever and other allergies, and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses). Phenylpropanolamine belongs to a group of drugs known as adrenergic agents (decongestants). They act by constricting (narrowing) blood vessels in the nasal passages, thereby reducing swelling and congestion. Chlorpheniramine belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines, which block the action of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. It is used to relieve or prevent symptoms of allergy. TREATMENT In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take phenylpropanolamine and chlorpheniramine combination with food or with a full glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). The oral syrup form of this medication should be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. The sustained-release tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole. Breaking, chewing, or crushing these tablets or capsules 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. Anxiety; blurred vision; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, and throat; heartburn; insomnia; irritability; loss of appetite; nasal congestion; nausea; restlessness; decreased sweating; vomiting; or weakness. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps, wear protective clothing, and use a 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). Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to reduce mouth dryness. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. In order to avoid difficulty in falling asleep, take the last dose of this medication several hours before bedtime. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about chest pain, convulsions, difficult or painful urination, difficulty in breathing, fainting, hallucinations, headaches, loss of coordination, confusion, mood changes, nosebleeds, palpitations, rash, severe abdominal pain, sore throat, or unusual bleeding or bruising. INTERACTIONS This drug interacts with several other types of drugs: 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 (isocarboxazid, pargyline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine and tricyclic antidepressants 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. 3. The side effects of the antihistamine part of this medication may be increased by quinidine, procainamide, haloperidol, and phenothiazine tranquilizers; and the side effects of the decongestant component may be increased by digoxin or over-the-counter (nonprescription) diet, allergy, asthma, cough, cold, or sinus preparations. 4. The blood-pressure-lowering effects of guanethidine may be decreased by this medication. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to chlorpheniramine or other antihistamines (such as azatadine, brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, cyproheptadine, dexchlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, pyrilamine, trimeprazine, tripelennamine, and triprolidine) or to phenylpropanolamine or other adrenergic agents (such as albuterol, amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, norepinephrine, pseudoephedrine, and terbutaline). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, glaucoma, heart or blood vessel disease, hiatal hernia, high blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, obstructed bladder or intestinal tract, peptic ulcers, enlarged prostate gland, or thyroid disease. * Because this drug can reduce sweating and heat release from the body, avoid excessive work or exercise in hot weather, and do not take hot baths, showers, or saunas. * This medication can cause drowsiness. Exercise caution when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. Be especially careful going up and down the stairs. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The effects of this medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication pass into breast milk. ---------------- 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.