Dexchlorpheniramine Other names: Chlorophenylpyridamine Chloroprophenpyridamine Chlorphenamine Chlorprophenpyridamine Chloropheniramine

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants (alcohol, sedatives, opioid analgesics, hypnotics) may cause an increase in sedative effects of dexchlorpheniramine.

Oral anticoagulants may have their actions decreased by antihistamines.

Concomitant administration with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may result in additive antimuscarinic activity.

Dexchlorpheniramine should be used with caution in patients with:

• narrow-angle glaucoma
• stenosing peptic ulcer
• prostatic hypertrophy
• bladder neck obstruction
• pyloroduodenal obstruction
• cardiovascular disease including hypertension
• increased intraocular pressure
• hyperthyroidism
• renal or hepatic impairment
• seizures

Antihistamines should be discontinued approximately 48 hours prior to skin testing procedures since these medicines may prevent or diminish otherwise positive reactions to dermal reactivity indicators.

Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Dexchlorpheniramine should be used during the first two trimesters of pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Dexchlorpheniramine maleate should not be used in the third trimester of pregnancy because newborn and premature infants may have severe reactions to antihistamines.

Dexchlorpheniramine has been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects of on the foetus having been observed.

Dexchlorpheniramine is excreted in breast milk. Therefore caution should be exercised when administered to nursing mothers.

Dexchlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness and may add to the effects of alcohol. Drowsiness may continue the following day. Those affected should not drive or operate machinery; alcohol should be avoided.