|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (klor
fen IR a meen & a seet a MIN
oh fen) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Coricidin®[OTC] |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antihistamine/Analgesic |
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine relieves symptoms (runny nose; sneezing; throat
irritation and itching; watery, irritated, itchy, red eyes) from allergies.
- Acetaminophen reduces
pain.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Chlorpheniramine, if taken before coming in contact with the material
that causes the allergy, blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing/preventing
the body's reaction to the allergen.
- Acetaminophen reduces pain by preventing production of chemicals
called prostaglandins.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Do not take more than prescribed amount. Liver damage can occur.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the
allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours
before.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Wear disease medical alert identification for allergies.
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines
and herbs that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives,
tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are a heavy drinker. Medicine and
frequent alcohol use can damage the liver.
- Use caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Increased activity or inability to sleep may be seen in children.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Feeling sleepy, tired, or unable to think clearly. Avoid driving,
doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how
this medicine affects you.
- Excitability in children.
- Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may
help.
- Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing
diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or
laxative.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Check effectiveness of medicine in preventing and treating
symptoms.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Too tired or sleepy.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
|
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
|
|
|
Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
