CHLORPHENAMINE
(MAOIs) or are within two weeks of stopping (used to
Brand Name(s) : ALLERcalm, Allerief, Boots Allergy
Relief, Hayleve, Piriton, Pollenase
CHLORPHENAMINE WARNINGS
Chlorphenamine should be used with caution by:
 Children
 The elderly
 People with epilepsy
 People with severe heart failure
 People with decreased liver function
 People with glaucoma (increased pressure in
the eye)
 People with difficulty passing urine
 Males with an enlarged prostate gland
(prostatic hypertrophy)
 People with obstructive disease of the
stomach or intestine
 People with bronchietasis (a lung condition
with widening of the airways)
 People with asthma or bronchitis
 People with an overactive thyroid gland
(hyperthyroidism)
 People with severe high blood
pressure (hypertension)
 People with porphyria (rare blood disease)
 People with diabetes mellitus (for use of
syrup form only)
 People taking alcohol or medicines which
have an effect on breathing rate
and sleepiness including sleeping pills and some
drugs used to treatmental health problems.
-Tricyclic antidepressants (for depression, such
as amitriptyline,imipramine)
-Tranquilisers, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics (for
sleeping troubles andanxiety, such
as zopiclone, diazepam, nitrazepam )
-Antipsychotics (for psychosis, such
as haloperidol, chlorpromazine,clozapine)
-Opioid analgesics (for pain, such as morphine,
codeine)
-Other sedating antihistamines (for allergies, such as
hydroxyzine, promethazine)
 People taking medicines which have an
anticholinergic effect such as some used to treat
Parkinson's disease or urinary problems
 People taking phenytoin (for epilepsy)
It should not be used by:
 People who are allergic to chlorphenamine,
or any of the ingredients in the medicine
 People who are allergic to anti-histamines
 People with an acute attack of asthma
 People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors
treat mental health problems, e.g. phenelzine,
isocarboxazid)
 Pregnant women
 Women breastfeeding
 Children, under one year of age (for specific
details regarding the different brands of medication,
please consult your doctor or pharmacist)
 People with rare hereditary problems of
galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or
glucose-galactose malabsorption (for certain tablets
only, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for
more details)
 People with rare hereditary problems of
fructose intolerance (for use of syrup form only)
Also see list of precautions and interactions
STORAGE
Do not store above 25°C. Store in a dry place in the
original carton to protect from light.
CHLORPHENAMINE USES
What is it used for?
 Chlorphenamine is used to treat allergies.
 It is a sedating antihistamine.
 It is used to relieve symptoms of allergic
reactions.
 In general this drug is used to treat a variety
of allergic conditions, and the symptoms that arise
from them, such as hay fever and insect bites. Hay
fever is a condition with inflammation of the nose
arising from an allergy to pollen. This leads to cold-
like symptoms, such as sneezing, itchiness and a
blocked or runny nose. Urticaria is a skin condition,
often known ashives or nettle rash. The symptoms of
urticaria include a red, itchy rash. Chlorphenamine is
also used to treat vasomotor rhinitis which has similar
symptoms to hay fever and arises from oversensitive
blood vessels in the nose. This medicine is given by
injection when fast control of allergic symptoms is
needed.
 Benefits of being on this drug can include
relief from the symptoms of the allergic reactions.
Listed below are the typical uses of chlorphenamine.
 Hay fever
 Vasomotor rhinitis
 Urticaria
 Angioneurotic oedema (swelling of the eyes,
lips, tongue or throat)
 Food allergy
 Allergic drug and serum reactions
 Allergic reactions to Insect bites and stings
 Desensitisation reactions (hospital tests to
lower your allergic response to an specific allergen,
such as a specific pollen or food-injection only)
 Severe pruritis (itch)
 Itch associated with chickenpox
On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine
to treat a condition not on the above list. Such
conditions are listed below.
 None
HOW TO USE/TAKE
This medication can be taken in tablet form, syrup
form or as an injection.
How often do I take it?
 Tablet or syrup form: Take this medication
orally, usually every four to six hours, with or without
food.
Injection form: This medication will be given to you by
a doctor or nurse by either the intravenous (into a
vein), intramuscular (into a muscle) or subcutaneous
(beneath the skin) route, with or without food.
Use this medication as required in order to get the
most benefit from it.
Remember to use it at the same time each day -
unless specifically told otherwise by your doctor.
It may take up to one to two hours before the full
benefit of this drug takes effect.
Certain medical conditions may require different
dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.
What dose?
 Dosage is based on your age, gender,
medical condition, response to therapy, and use of
certain interacting medicines.
Do I need to avoid anything?
 This medication may cause drowsiness,
blurred vision and decreased awareness, which can
seriously impair the ability to drive and operate
machinery. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for
more details. Alcohol intake should be avoided while
taking this medication.
When can I stop?
 Tablet or syrup form: Use as required, and
as directed. If symptoms do not go away within five
days of use of medication then consult your doctor or
pharmacist.
Injection form: Always complete the full course as
prescribed by your doctor.
CHLORPHENAMINE SIDE EFFECTS
 Sedative effects from drowsiness to deep
sleep
 Lack of concentration
 Tiredness
 Dizziness
 Decreased awareness
 Headache
 Irritability
 Difficulty passing urine
 Dry mouth
 Blurred vision
 Problems with the gut including abdominal
pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
 Loss of appetite (which may lead to
anorexia)
 Skin rashes, including urticaria (also known
as hives, nettle rash), sensitivity to light
 Yellowing of eyes and skin
 Inflammation of the liver
 Productive cough (phlegm on chest)
 Chest pain
 Increased or abnormal heart rate
 Low blood pressure
 Anaemia and other blood disorders
 Muscle weakness and movement difficulties
 Ringing in the ears
 Depression
 Hyperactivity in children
 Confusion in elderly
 For syrup only: If this medication is taken
long term then there may be a increase in risk of tooth
decay so dental hygiene is important.
 For injection only: reactions at site of
injection such as a burning or stinging sensation. The
injection may result in a lowering of blood pressure
(hypotensive effect).
If any of these persist or you consider them severe
then inform doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the
following symptoms:
 Yellowing of eyes and skin in newborn
babies
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this
medication because he or she has judged that the
benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have
serious side effects.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but
seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash,
itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat),
dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
In the UK you may report side-effects to the MHRA
CHLORPHENAMINE PRECAUTIONS
Before taking chlorphenamine, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other
antihistamines; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have
certain medical conditions. Before using this
medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you
have:
 Allergy to chlorphenamine, or any of its
ingredients
 Allergy to anti-histamines
 Acute attack of asthma
 Pregnant women
 Women breastfeeding
 Rare hereditary problems of galactose
intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-
galactose malabsorption (for certain tablets only,
please consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
details)
 Rare hereditary problems of fructose
intolerance (for use of syrup form only)
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the
following:
 Epilepsy
 Severe heart failure
 Decreased liver function
 Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
 Difficulty passing urine
 Enlarged prostate gland (prostatic
hypertrophy)
 Obstructive disease of the stomach or
intestine
 Bronchietasis
 Asthma or bronchitis
 Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
 Severe high blood pressure (hypertension)
 Porphyria (rare blood disease)
 Diabetes mellitus (for use of syrup form only)
The use of this medication should be stopped at least
48 hours before having a skin test, as
chlorphenamine could make the results unreliable.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that
you are taking this medication.
Does alcohol intake affect this drug?
 It is recommended not to drink alcohol while
taking this medication, due to potentially dangerous
effects.
The elderly: chlorphenamine should be used with
caution in the elderly as they may be more likely to
get some of the side effects associated with this
medication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding - please ensure you
read the detailed information below
PREGNANCY
The safety of chlorphenamine has not been
established during pregnancy, and is therefore not
recommended. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any doubts or questions about this.
It is sensible to limit use of medication during
pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor
may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in
individual circumstances and after a careful
assessment of your specific health situation.
If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised
to discuss the medicine with your doctor or
pharmacist.
BREAST FEEDING
It is not known whether chlorphenamine passes into
breast milk. The manufacturer therefore states that it
should not be taken if you are breastfeeding.
 It is sensible to limit use of medication during
breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your
doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks
in individual circumstances and after a careful
assessment of your specific health situation.
If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised
to discuss the medicine with your doctor or
pharmacist.
CHLORPHENAMINE INTERACTIONS
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of
any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring
you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage
of any medicine before checking with them first.
This drug should not be used with the following
medications because very serious, possibly fatal
interactions may occur:
CHLORPHENAMINE OVERDOSE
Talk to your doctor to go to your nearest hospital
straight away. Take the medicine and leaflet with you.
Signs of an overdose include drowsiness, fits,
temporary pause in breathing, muscle spasms of the
neck, shoulders and body, circulatory problems
including collapse and irregular heart beat, dry mouth,
fever, constipation, blurred or double vision and
difficulty urinating, dilation of the pupil of the eye,
glaucoma and blockage of the small intestine, mental
or behavioural changes, excitement or agitation.
In infants and children, symptoms of overdose may
include poor co-ordination, excitement, tremors,
changes in behaviour, hallucinations and fits. Other
symptoms may include dilated pupils, dry mouth and
facial flushing.

 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or
within two weeks of stopping (used to treat mental
health problems, e.g. phenelzine, isocarboxazid)
If you are currently using any of these medications,
tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting
chlorphenamine.
If you think you, or someone you care for, might have
accidentally taken more than the recommended dose
of chlorphenamine or intentional overdose is
suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the
UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
MISSED DOSE

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
pharmacist of all prescription and non- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
prescription/herbal products you may use, especially dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
of: double the dose to catch up.

 Alcohol or other medicines which have an

effect on breathing rate and sleepiness including
sleeping pills and some drugs used to treat mental
health problems. 
-Tricyclic antidepressants (for depression, such as
amitriptyline, imipramine) 
-Tranquilisers, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics (for
sleeping troubles and anxiety, such as zopiclone,
diazepam, nitrazepam ) 
-Antipsychotics (for psychosis, such as haloperidol,
chlorpromazine, clozapine) 
-Opioid analgesics (for pain, such as morphine,
codeine) 
-Other sedating antihistamines (for allergies, such as
hydroxyzine, promethazine)
 Medicines which have an anticholinergic
effect such as some used to treat Parkinson's disease
or urinary problems
 People taking phenytoin (for epilepsy)

This information does not contain all possible

interactions. Therefore, before using chlorphenamine,
tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you
use.
What is this medicine?
CHLORPHENIRAMINE (klor fen IR a meen) is an antihistamine. What may interact with this medicine?
It is used to treat a runny nose from allergies or a cold. It is also
 alcohol
used to treat the symptoms an allergic reaction. This medicine
 barbiturate medicines for sleep or treating
will not treat an infection.
seizures
 MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil,
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health
and Parnate
care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
 medicines for allergies

What should I tell my health care  medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic

provider before I take this medicine? disturbances

 medicines for sleep
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:  some antibiotics
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your
 glaucoma
health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-
 heart disease
prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell
 high blood pressure
them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some
 lung or breathing disease, like asthma
items may interact with your medicine.
 pain or difficulty passing urine
 prostate trouble
What should I watch for while using
 ulcers or other stomach problems
this medicine?
 an unusual or allergic reaction to
chlorpheniramine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check
preservatives ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they
 pregnant or trying to get pregnant get worse.
 breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine? Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking
hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the
doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular
intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you
wear contact lensesyou may feel some discomfort. Lubricating
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in
drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go
children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected
away or is severe.
conditions, precautions do apply.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do

Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction and
anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this
need a smaller dose.
medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if
you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this
spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine.
medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at
Avoid alcoholic drinks.
once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out
with others.
of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective
clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning
What if I miss a dose?
beds/booths.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time
for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or
extra doses.
What side effects may I notice from
receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care
professional as soon as possible:

 allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives,

swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
 breathing problems
 changes in vision
 confused, agitated, nervous
 fast, irregular heartbeat
 feeling faint, dizzy
 seizures
 tremor
 trouble passing urine or change in the amount of
urine
 unusual sweating
 unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report
to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are
bothersome):

 constipation or diarrhea
 drowsy
 dry mouth, nose, throat
 headache
 loss of appetite
 stomach upset, vomiting
 trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59

and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away
any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
ASCORBIC ACID (a SKOR bik AS id) is a naturally occurring
form of vitamin C. It is used to treat or prevent low levels of
vitamin C and to treat scurvy.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health
care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care
provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
 anemia
 diabetes
 glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)
deficiency
 kidney stones
 low sodium diet
 an unusual or allergic reaction to ascorbic acid,
tartrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or
preservatives
 pregnant or trying to get pregnant
 breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the
directions on the package or prescription label. You may take
this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach take
it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take
your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in
children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected
conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this
medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at
once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine
with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time
for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or
extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?


deferoxamine
iron supplements
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your
health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-
prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell
them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some
items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using
this medicine?
Follow a good diet. Taking a vitamin supplement does not
replace the need for abalanced diet. Some foods that have
vitamin C naturally are citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli,
cabbage, and tomatoes.
If you are diabetic very high doses of ascorbic acid can interfere
with tests for sugar in the urine. Talk to your doctor or heath care
professional if you check your urine glucose levels.
What side effects may I notice from
receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care
professional as soon as possible:
 allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives,
swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
 breathing problems
 diarrhea with headache or nausea
 flushing or redness of skin
 pain in lower back, side, or stomach
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report
to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are
bothersome):
 bad taste in the mouth
 stomach upset
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59
and 86 degrees F) or as directed on the package label. Protect
from heat and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after
the expiration date.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible

information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to
your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.