Sign inBefore taking chlorphenamine
Before taking chlorphenamine make sure your doctor, dentist or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have glaucoma.
- If you have prostate problems, or have been experiencing difficulty passing urine.
- If you know you have a blockage in your small intestines.
- If you have liver problems.
- If you have epilepsy.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antihistamine or to any other medicine.
How to take chlorphenamine
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
- Take chlorphenamine exactly as your doctor advises you. You will be told how many doses to take each day.
- It is not important whether you take your doses before or after food.
- If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Chlorphenamine may make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines, and do not drink alcohol.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside chlorphenamine.
- If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking an antihistamine.
Can chlorphenamine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Drowsiness, blurred vision or dizziness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor |
| Difficulty passing urine | Speak with your doctor if this becomes troublesome |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum or sweets |
| Stomach upset | Stick to simple foods - avoid rich or spicy foods |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store chlorphenamine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, ALLERcalm® Allergy Relief Tablets 4mg, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2008.
- British National Formulary; 61st Edition (March 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)