• Relief of allergic symptoms caused by histamine release, including:
  • Nasal allergies,
  • Allergic dermatoses.

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity
• Acute attacks of asthma
• Known alcohol intolerance (some liquid forms)
• Lactation: Lactation
• Pedi: Children <4 yr (OTC cough and cold products containing this medication should be avoided).

Use Cautiously in:

• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Liver disease
• OB: Safety not established in pregnancy
• Geri: Appears on Beers list. ↑ risk of anticholinergic adverse reactions in older adults, including falls, delirium, and dementia. Avoid use in older adults.

CV: hypertension, arrhythmias, hypotension, palpitations.

EENT: blurred vision.

GI: dry mouth, GI obstruction, constipation.

GU: retention, urinary hesitancy.

Neuro: drowsiness, dizziness, excitation (in children).

Drug-Drug:

• ↑ CNS depression with other CNS depressants, including alcohol, opioid analgesics, and sedative/hypnotics.
• MAO inhibitors intensify and prolong anticholinergic effects of antihistamines.
• ↑ anticholinergic effects with other drugs possessing anticholinergic properties, including antidepressants, atropine, haloperidol, phenothiazines, quinidine, and disopyramide.

(Generic available)

• Tablets: 4 mg^{Rx, OTC};
• Extended-release tablets: 12 mg^{Rx, OTC};
• Syrup: 2 mg/5 mL^{Rx, OTC};
• In combination with: hydrocodone; decongestants^{Rx, OTC}. See Appendix [not included in this PDA edition].

• PO (Adults): 4 mg every 4–6 hr or 8–12 mg of extended-release formulation every 8–12 hr (not to exceed 24 mg/day).
• PO (Geriatric Patients): 4 mg twice daily or 8 mg of extended-release formulation at bedtime.
• PO (Children 6–12 yr): 2 mg 3–4 times daily (not to exceed 12 mg/day).

Aller-Chlor, Chlor-Trimeton, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Ed Chlorped Jr

• Antagonizes the effects of histamine at H₁-receptor sites; does not bind to or inactivate histamine.

• Decreased symptoms of histamine excess (sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal and ocular pruritus, ocular tearing, and redness).

Therapeutic Classification: allergy, cold and cough remedies, antihistamines

Absorption: Well absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Widely distributed. Minimal amounts excreted in breast milk. Crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism/Excretion: Extensively metabolized by the liver.

Half-life: 12–15 hr.

(antihistaminic effects)

• Instruct patient to take chlorpheniramine as directed.
• May cause drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to drug is known.
• Caution patient to avoid using alcohol or other CNS depressants concurrently with this drug.
• Advise patient that good oral hygiene, frequent rinsing of mouth with water, and sugarless gum or candy may help relieve dryness of mouth.
• Caution parents to avoid giving OTC cough and cold products to children <4 yrs.
• Instruct patient to contact health care professional if symptoms persist.
• Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected and to avoid breastfeeding during therapy. Monitor infants exposed to chlorpheniramine through breast milk for irritability and drowsiness.Caution parents to avoid OTC cough and cold products while breastfeeding.

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