Generic Name: ANTIHISTAMINES/DECONGESTANTS - ORAL

Children's Cold & Allergy Oral Precautions

Before taking chlorpheniramine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema)
• a certain eye problem (glaucoma)
• heart problems
• high blood pressure
• liver disease
• seizures
• stomach problems (e.g., ulcers, blockage)
• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• urination problems (e.g., trouble urinating due to enlarged prostate, urinary retention)

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit the use of alcohol and certain other medications that cause drowsiness. (See also Drug Interactions.)

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Liquid products may contain aspartame, sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, and low blood pressure.

Children may be more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. In young children, this medication may cause agitation/excitement instead of drowsiness.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Children's Cold & Allergy Oral Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, decreased coordination, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. These effects may decrease as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. Chlorpheniramine can dry up and thicken mucus in your lungs, making it more difficult to breathe and clear your lungs. To help prevent this effect, drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If you are using a sustained-release product, an empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

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