Chlorphenamine+Dextromethorphan

When should one not use Chlorphenamine+Dextromethorphan

• In case you are allergic to chlorphenamine, dextromethorphan or any other components of this medicine.
• If you are having or had medicines like sodium oxybate (used to prevent day time sleepiness)
• If you are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, selegiline (used to treat mental illness or Parkinson's disease) at least two weeks before starting treatment with this medicine. In case you don't know whether your prescription includes such medicines, ask your doctor before taking Chlorphenamine+Dextromethorphan.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Drowsiness
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Other General Warnings

• You have a cough for a long time with a lot of mucus (like asthma, emphysema or smoking).
• You have eye problems like glaucoma (increase pressure in the eye).
• You have difficulty in urination and a frequent urge to urinate (enlarged prostate).
• You have problems with your heart and liver.
• You have any breathing problems, high blood pressure and fits.
• In young children, this medicine may produce excitement instead of drowsiness. Be cautious while giving this medicine to children.
• Older people should be cautious while using Chlorphenamine+Dextromethorphan, as they are more prone to develop dizziness and urination difficulties with this medicine.
• It is not recommended to use this medicine in children below 2 years of age.

How Does It Work?

• Natural substances like Histamine released in our body are responsible for allergies such as sneezing or runny nose
• Chlorphenamine blocks the effect of these substances and provides relief in symptoms of a common cold
• There are specific areas in the brain (cough centre) which when activated produces coughing. Dextromethorphan affects these areas and deactivates them, thus helps in relieving the coughing

Interactions with other medicines

• Chlorphenamine+Dextromethorphan should not be taken with a medicine called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) because it produces a condition called serotonin syndrome which is a condition that can occur rapidly due to a build-up of an excessive amount of serotonin in the body. In the case of serotonin syndrome, a person may experience high body temperature, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, excitability, tremor (shakiness), and sweating. In such a situation patients should rush to a nearby hospital.
• Chlorphenamine+Dextromethorphan should be used cautiously with other medicines like Codeine, Hydrocodone (used for cough) that cause drowsiness. Alcohol, Marijuana, medicines to treat mental illness (Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Zolpidem, etc.), muscle-relaxing medicines ( Carisoprodol, Cyclobenzaprine), other antihistaminic medicines (Cetirizine, Diphenhydramine, etc.) should be consumed with caution.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose