Chlorpheniramine or CTM is a drug to relieve allergy symptoms that can be triggered by food, drugs, insect bites, exposure to dust, exposure animal fur, or exposurepollen. This drug is also used to relieve symptoms of cough and cold (common cold).
Chlorpheniramine works by inhibiting the work of histamine, which is a compound that can cause allergy symptoms when a person is exposed to substances or substances that trigger allergies (allergens).
Some allergy symptoms that can be relieved with this drug are watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and itching of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat.
Chlorpheniramine trademark: Brontusin, Ceteem, Chlorpheniramine, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Cough En Plus, Etaflucin, Molexflu, Nalgestan, Omecough, Samcodin, Zacoldine
What is Chlorpheniramine
| group | Antihistamines |
| Category | Limited over-the-counter drugs |
| Benefit | Relieves allergy symptoms |
| Consumed by | Adults and children aged 1 year and over |
| Chlorpheniramine for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Chlorpheniramine can be absorbed into breast milk and may decrease milk production. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before taking this drug. |
| Drug form | Tablets, caplets, capsules and syrups |
Warnings Before Taking Chlorpheniramine
Below are some things to consider before taking chlorpheniramine:
- Do not take chlorpheniramine if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to dexchlorpheniramine or any other medicines.
- Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years of age without consulting a doctor first.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, emphysema bronchitis, diabetes, phenylketonuria, heart disease, glaucoma, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, intestinal obstruction, peptic ulcer, enlarged prostate, seizures, or alcoholism.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Do not take chlorpheniramine if you have recently or are on treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI).
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking chlorpheniramine, especially if you plan to have surgery, including dental surgery.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking chlorpheniramine, as this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with chlorpheniramine, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking chlorpheniramine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Chlorpheniramine
The following is the dosage of chlorpheniramine to relieve allergy symptoms:
- Adults and children >12 years old: 4 mg, every 4–6 hours. The maximum dose is 24 mg per day.
- Children aged 6–12 years: 2 mg, every 4–6 hours. The maximum dose is 12 mg per day.
- Children aged 2–5 years: 1 mg, every 4–6 hours. The maximum dose is 6 mg per day.
- Children aged 1–2 years: 1 mg, 2 times a day. The maximum dose is 4 mg per day.
How to Take Chlorpheniraminecorrectly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the information on the chlorpheniramine package before starting to take it.
Chlorpheniramine in the form of tablets, capsules, caplets, and syrups can be taken before or after meals. Take the drug with the help of a glass of water.
Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. Stop using chlorpheniramine after the allergy symptoms subside as this medication is only used for a short period of time.
If you forget to take your medicine, take it immediately if the time lag with the next dose is not too close. When it is close, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose.
Store the medicine in a closed place in a cool and dry room. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Interaction of Chlorpheniramine with Other Drugs
Drug interactions that can occur if chlorpheniramine is used with drugs are:
- Enhanced anticholinergic effects of potentially fatal MAOIs
- Inhibition of phenytoin metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of drug poisoning
- Enhanced antimuscarinic effect of tricyclic antidepressants
- Increased drowsiness and risk of complications when used with opioid painkillers, antianxiety drugs, sedatives, or antipsychotic drugs
Side Effects and Dangers of Chlorpheniramine
Side effects that may arise after taking chlorpheniramine are:
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizzy
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation or constipation
- Dry mouth, nose and throat
Check with your doctor if the above side effects get worse or do not improve. Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or any serious side effects such as visual disturbances, seizures, difficulty urinating, fast or irregular heartbeat, restlessness, or confusion, after taking chlorpheniramine.