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| Pronunciation |
|
 (deks
klor fen EER a
meen) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Polaramine® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Antihistamine |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to dexchlorpheniramine or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you have narrow-angle
glaucoma.
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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.
- It is also used for the treatment of hives and
angioedema.
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| How does it work? |
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- Dexchlorpheniramine, 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.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- A liquid (syrup) 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.
- Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the
allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours
before.
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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.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- This medicine can be taken on an as needed
basis.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- Wear disease medical alert identification for allergies.
- If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects You may feel
constipated, confused, unable to pass urine, or have dry mouth.
- 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.
- 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.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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|
- 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.
- Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, 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.
- Unable to pass urine. Go to the bathroom before taking medicine. Talk
with healthcare provider if it becomes a
problem.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Check effectiveness of medicine in preventing and 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.
- 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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