Chlorphenamine

Chlorphenamine (brand names Piriton, Allerief, Hayleve, Pollenase) is an antihistamine medicine that relieves the symptoms of allergies. It is known as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine. This means that it is likely to make someone feel more sleepy than some other antihistamines.[1]

Chlorphenamine is sometimes mixed with other medicines like ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to treat coughs and colds.[1] It comes as tablets or as a liquid that is swallowed. When chlorphenamine is mixed with other medicines, it can be called Galpseud Plus Linctus and Haymine.[1] Chlorphenamine is available on prescription, and to buy from pharmacies. If chlorphenamine is bought from a pharmacy without a prescription, do not take it for longer than 2 weeks. If there are still symptoms, speak to a doctor. It is used for:[1]

Chlorphenamine usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to work. Wait a minimum of 4 hours between taking doses. Do not drink alcohol.[1]

This medicine can cause serious allergic reactions which require emergency treatment. Make sure the signs of these reactions are known: read allergic reaction symptoms of drugs.

Side effects

Like all medicines, chlorphenamine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.[1] In older patients chlorphenamine can have more side effects than Loratadine or Cetirizine. For this reason many doctors say that older patients shouldn't use Chlorhenamine.

Common side effects

Common side effects of chlorphenamine happen in more than 1 in 100 people. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if these side effects are affecting life or do not go away:[1]

  • feeling sleepy during the daytime
  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • feeling dizzy or difficulty concentrating
  • dry mouth
  • headaches
  • blurred vision

Children and people aged over 65 have more chance of getting some side effects, such as feeling restless, excited or confused.[1]

In rare cases, it is possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to chlorphenamine.[1]

These are not all the side effects of chlorphenamine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside the medicine packet.[1]

Dosage and strength

Chlorphenamine comes as 4mg tablets and the liquid comes as 2mg in 5ml.[1]

Taking too much (overdose)

If taken more than the recommended dose of chlorphenamine, there may be:[1]

  • feeling very sleepy
  • feeling nervous or restless
  • feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
  • blurred vision
  • a very fast, uneven or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)

In serious cases, you people may have a fit or seizure, or become unconscious, and may need emergency treatment in hospital.[1]

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines and chlorphenamine affect each other and increase the chances of having side effects.

Check with your pharmacist or doctor if taking:

  • a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as phenelzine
  • phenytoin (an anti-epilepsy medicine)
  • any medicine that makes people drowsy, causes dry mouth, or makes it difficult to urinate – taking chlorphenamine might make these side effects worse

Mixing chlorphenamine with herbal remedies and supplements

There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside chlorphenamine, especially ones that cause side effects such as sleepiness, a dry mouth or making it difficult to urinate.[1]

References
  1. "Chlorphenamine: drowsy (sedating) antihistamine". nhs.uk. 2018-09-20. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
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