Chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine, relieves red, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. It may also relieve the itching of insect bites, bee stings, poison ivy, and poison oak.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Chlorpheniramine comes as a extended-release (long-acting) tablet and capsule, a regular tablet and capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, and syrup to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4-6 hours or twice a day, in the morning and evening, as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take chlorpheniramine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets and do not open extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.
Do not give extended-release tablets or capsules to a child less than 12 years of age and do not give regular or chewable tablets or liquid to a child less than 6 years of age unless directed to do so by a doctor.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
Aller-Chlor®
Aller-Chlor® Syrup
Chlo-Amine®
Chlor-Trimeton® 12 Hour Allergy
Chlor-Trimeton® 4 Hour Allergy
Chlor-Trimeton® 8 Hour Allergy
Chlor-Trimeton® Allergy Syrup
Efidac 24® Chlorpheniramine
Polaramine®
Polaramine® Repetabs®
Polaramine® Syrup
Teldrin® Allergy
Brand names of combination products
Ah-Chew® containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Methscopolamine Nitrate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride
Alka-Seltzer Plus® Cold Medicine Liqui-Gels® containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
Allerest® Maximum Strength containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
Atrohist® Pediatric containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
Brexin® L.A. containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
Chlordrine® S.R. containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
Chlor-Phed® Timecelles® containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
