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| Pronunciation |
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 (klor
fen IR a meen & fen il EF
rin) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Dallergy-D® Syrup; Ed A-Hist®
Liquid; Histatab® Plus Tablet [OTC]; Histor-D® Syrup;
Rolatuss® Plain Liquid; Ru-Tuss®
Liquid |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Antihistamine/Decongestant Combination |
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine relieves symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, throat
irritation and itching; watery, irritated, itchy, red eyes) from allergies.
- Long-term nasal congestion and headache are treated by
phenylephrine.
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| How does it work? |
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- 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.
- Phenylephrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages.
Sinus drainage is increased by
this.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take with or without food. Take with food if medicine causes an upset
stomach.
- This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the
allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours before.
- Swallow sustained-release capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- A liquid is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have
feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after
medicine is given.
- Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by
healthcare provider. Avoid products with
caffeine.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- 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.
- This medicine is often taken on an as needed basis.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- 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.
- Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake.
Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, rapid heartbeats, and
anxiety.
- Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare
provider.
- Use caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Increases activity or insomnia may be seen in children.
- Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure.
These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like
products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
- 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.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may
help.
- Dizziness. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require
you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Inability to sleep, nervousness, excitability, and
restlessness
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Check effectiveness of medicine in preventing or treating
symptoms.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- 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.
- Chest pains, fast heartbeats, passing out, fainting, or severe
headache.
- Too tired or sleepy.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- 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).
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