Pronunciation(klor fen IR a meen & fen il EF rin)
U.S. Brand NamesDallergy-JR®; Ed A-Hist®; Histatab® Plus [OTC] [DSC]; Rynatan®; Rynatan® Pediatric Suspension
SynonymsChlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride; Chlorpheniramine Tannate and Phenylephrine Tannate; Phenylephrine and Chlorpheniramine
Generic AvailableYes: Tannate formulations
UseTemporary relief of nasal congestion and eustachian tube congestion as well as runny nose, sneezing, itching of nose or throat, itchy and watery eyes
Pregnancy Risk FactorC
ContraindicationsHypersensitivity to chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, or any component of the formulation; severe hypertension; severe cardiovascular disease; use with or within 2 weeks of discontinuing MAO inhibitor; narrow-angle glaucoma; urinary retention; peptic ulcer disease; breast-feeding
Warnings/PrecautionsUse caution with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, increased intraocular pressure, or prostatic hyperplasia. Causes sedation, caution must be used in performing tasks which require alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving). Sedative effects of CNS depressants or ethanol are potentiated. Use caution in elderly patients, risk of CNS depression may be increased.
Drug InteractionsChlorpheniramine: Substrate of CYP2D6 (minor), 3A4 (major); Inhibits CYP2D6 (weak)Also see individual agents.
Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb InteractionsEthanol: Avoid ethanol (may increase CNS depression).
Pharmacodynamics/KineticsSee individual agents.
DosageGeneral dosing guidelines; consult specific product labeling. Antihistamine/decongestant: Oral:Children: 2-6 years: Chlorpheniramine tannate 4.5 mg and phenylephrine tannate 5 mg per 5 mL: 2.5-5 mL every 12 hours 6-12 years: Chlorpheniramine maleate 4 mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 20 mg every 12 hours or Chlorpheniramine tannate 4.5 mg and phenylephrine tannate 5 mg per 5 mL: 5-10 mL every 12 hours
Adults: Chlorpheniramine maleate 8 mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 40 mg every 12 hours or Chlorpheniramine tannate 9 mg and phenylephrine tannate 25 mg every 12 hours
Patient EducationMay cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medication.
Dental Health: Effects on Dental TreatmentKey adverse event(s) related to dental treatment:Chlorpheniramine: Prolonged use will cause significant xerostomia (normal salivary flow resumes upon discontinuation). Phenylephrine: Up to 10% of patients could experience tachycardia, palpitations, and xerostomia (prolonged use worsens); use vasoconstrictor with caution.
Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic PrecautionsUse with caution since phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic amine which could interact with epinephrine to cause a pressor response
Mental Health: Effects on Mental StatusDrowsiness is common; may cause excitability, nervousness, fatigue, or depression
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric TreatmentDry mouth and sedation may be exacerbated by concurrent psychotropic use
Dosage Forms[DSC] = Discontinued productCaplet, prolonged release (Ed A-Hist®): Chlorpheniramine maleate 8 mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 20 mg Capsule, extended release (Dallergy-JR®): Chlorpheniramine maleate 4 mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 20 mg Liquid (Ed A-Hist®): Chlorpheniramine maleate 4 mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 10 mg per 5 mL (480 mL) [sugar free; grape flavor] Suspension, oral (Rynatan® Pediatric Suspension): Chlorpheniramine tannate 4.5 mg and phenylephrine tannate 5 mg per 5 mL (480 mL) [contains benzoic acid and tartrazine; strawberry flavor] Tablet: Histatab® Plus: Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg [DSC] Rynatan®: Chlorpheniramine tannate 9 mg and phenylephrine tannate 25 mg
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12 years: Chlorpheniramine maleate 8 mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 40 mg every 12 hours