$Unique_ID{BRK03316} $Pretitle{} $Title{pseudoephedrine and carbinoxamine combination} $Subject{Carbodec Rugby Cardec-S Rondec Ross Adrenemine pseudoephedrine carbinoxamine upper respiratory tract infections hay fever allergies sinusitis inflammation sinuses constricting narrowing blood vessels nasal passages swelling congestion histamine chemical allergic reaction allergy} $Volume{} $Log{ Rondec*0331601.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. pseudoephedrine and carbinoxamine combination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Carbodec (Rugby) Cardec-S (various manufacturers) Rondec (Ross) TYPE OF DRUG Adrenemine INGREDIENTS pseudoephedrine and carbinoxamine DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (60 mg pseudoephedrine and 4 mg carbinoxamine) Oral syrup (60 mg pseudoephedrine and 4 mg carbinoxamine per 5-ml spoonful) Oral drops (25 mg pseudoephedrine and 2 mg carbinoxamine per ml) STORAGE Pseudoephedrine and carbinoxamine combination tablets, oral syrup, and oral drops should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed containers. No form of this medication should ever be frozen. USES This drug combination is used to relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, hay fever and other allergies, and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses). Pseudoephedrine belongs to a group of drugs known as adrenergic agents (decongestants). They act by constricting (narrowing) blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce swelling and congestion. Carbinoxamine belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines, which block the actions of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. It is, therefore, used to relieve or prevent symptoms of allergy. TREATMENT In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take pseudoephedrine and carbinoxamine combination with food or with a full glass of water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). The oral drops should be measured carefully with the dropper provided. The oral syrup form of this medication should be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. 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. You should, therefore, 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). Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to reduce mouth dryness. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, 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, confusion, convulsions, difficult or painful urination, difficulty in breathing, fainting, hallucinations, headaches, loss of coordination, mood changes, nosebleeds, palpitations, rash, severe abdominal pain, sore throat, or unusual bleeding or bruising. INTERACTIONS Pseudoephedrine and carbinoxamine combination interacts with several other types of medications: 1. Concurrent use of it with central nervous system depressants (drugs that slow the activity of the brain and spinal cord), 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 drug. At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug and the use of an MAO inhibitor. 3. The action of oral anticoagulants may be decreased by the antihistamine component of this drug. 4. Procarbazine may interact with the antihistamine component of this drug. 5. The side effects of the antihistamine component of this medication may be increased by quinidine, procainamide, haloperidol, and phenothiazine tranquilizers. 6. The side effects of the decongestant component of this drug may be increased by digoxin or over-the-counter asthma, allergy, cough, cold, diet, or sinus preparations. 7. 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 carbinoxamine or other antihistamines (such as azatadine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, cyproheptadine, dexchlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, dimethindene, diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, pyrilamine, trimeprazine, tripelennamine, and triprolidine) or to pseudoephedrine or other adrenergic agents (such as albuterol, amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, norepinephrine, phenylpropanolamine, 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, you should avoid excessive work and exercise in hot weather, and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas. * This medication can cause drowsiness. Your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery, may be decreased. Appropriate caution should, 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. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication 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.