DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE

Drug Name: DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE

DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE DESCRIPTION:
ANTIHISTAMINES - ORAL

COMMON DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE BRAND NAME(S):
Atarax, Chlor-Trimeton, Dimetane, Dimetapp, Dramamine, Optimine, Periactin, Polaramine, PBZ, Vistaril

DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite (less likely with cyproheptadine), stomach upset, vision changes, irritability, dry mouth and nose. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, pounding or irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears, difficulty urinating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE:
DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE: May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Sustained-release or long acting tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole. Chewing or crushing them will destroy the long action and may increase side effects. Shake suspensions well before taking.

DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE USES:
DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE is used for motion sickness, anxiety, rash, hives, watery eyes, runny nose, itching, and sneezing due to allergies or the common cold. It is also used as a sleep aid (for insomnia).

DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma (narrow angle), stomach ulcers, difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, lung problems, overactive thyroid. Change from a seated or lying position slowly to avoid dizziness. Use caution in performing activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake to avoid excessive drowsiness. Do not give long-acting antihistamines to a child younger than 12 years of age nor other dose forms of antihistamines to a child younger than 6 years of age without doctor approval. DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression, seizure medications, narcotic pain relievers, other medications for colds/hay fever/allergies. Because DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE may affect allergy testing, you may have to stop using DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE for several days before the tests are performed. Consult your doctor about this. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose in children may include abnormal eye movements, flushed face, dry mouth, change in amount of urine, fever, excitation, agitation, bizarre behavior, confusion, restlessness, irritability, delirium, twitching, tiredness, abnormal tongue movement, trembling extremities, slurred speech, or seizures. Symptoms of overdose in adults may include drowsiness, or unconsciousness, which may be followed by excitement or seizures.

MISSED DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.