Dexchlorpheniramine

Dexchlorpheniramine is a prescription medication used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, itching, hives, skin swelling, and rash.

• Dexchlorpheniramine is available under the following different brand names: Polmon, RyClora

Common side effects of Dexchlorpheniramine include:

• hives,
• drug rash,
• anaphylactic shock,
• skin sensitivity to sunlight,
• excessive sweating,
• chills,
• dry mouth/nose/throat,
• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• reduced coordination,
• fatigue,
• confusion,
• restlessness,
• excitation,
• nervousness,
• tremor,
• irritability,
• insomnia,
• euphoria,
• numbness and tingling,
• blurred or double vision,
• spinning sensation (vertigo),
• ringing in the ears (tinnitus),
• upset stomach,
• loss of appetite,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• urinary frequency,
• difficult urination,
• urinary retention,
• tightness of the chest and wheezing, and
• stuffy nose

Serious side effects of Dexchlorpheniramine include:

• mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, confusion),
• trouble urinating,
• fast/irregular heartbeat.

Rare side effects of Dexchlorpheniramine include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Syrup

• 2 mg/5 mL

Allergy Symptoms

Adult dosage

• 2 mg orally every 4-6 hours

Pediatric dosage

• Children 2-6 years: Syrup: 0.5 mg orally every 4-6 hours
• Children 6-11 years: (syrup) 1 mg orally every 4-6 hours
• Children above 12 years: As adults; (syrup) 2 mg orally every 4-6 hours

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Dexchlorpheniramine has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Dexchlorpheniramine has serious interactions with the following drugs:
  • calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium oxybates
  • eluxadoline
  • metoclopramide intranasal
  • pitolisant
  • ropeginterferon alfa 2b
  • sodium oxybate
  • tranylcypromine
• Dexchlorpheniramine has moderate interactions with at least 199 other drugs.
• Dexchlorpheniramine has minor interactions with the following drugs:
  • ashwagandha
  • brimonidine
  • eucalyptus
  • nettle
  • sage
  • Siberian ginseng

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• None

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Dexchlorpheniramine?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Dexchlorpheniramine?”

Cautions

• None

Pregnancy and Lactation

• May be acceptable during pregnancy.
• Lactation
  • Excretion in milk unknown/not recommended