Dexchlorpheniramine maleate: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses of Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate

What drug Dexchlorpheniramine maleate?

Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine drug used to relieve symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. These symptoms include rash, watery eyes, itchy eyes / nose / throat / skin, cough, runny nose, and sneezing.

The drug dexchlorpheniramine maleate works by blocking the histamine your body produces during an allergic reaction. This drug also blocks acetylcholine from being produced by your body. This causes some of the body fluids to dry out, which can relieve symptoms of watery eyes and a runny nose.

Do not use products containing dexchlorpheniramine maleate to treat flu symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by a doctor. This is because its efficacy has not been proven.

Some products (such as long-acting tablets / capsule) is not recommended for use in children 12 years of age and under. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about using this drug safely.

These products do not cure or speed up the healing of the flu. Serious side effects can also occur if you don't use it as directed. Make sure you use this drug with caution.

Do not use dexchlorpheniramine maleate to make children drowsy or other cold medicines that may contain this or similar substances (see also Drug Interactions section).

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and flu symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using humidifier or saline / spray nose drops).

How do you use dexchlorpheniramine maleate?

Take this drug as directed by your doctor. Dexchlorpheniramine maleate can be taken with food or milk if you experience stomach upset from taking this medicine.

If you consume extended-release tablets, do not crush or chew the medicine. Doing so can increase the risk of side effects.

Other than that, don't break down extended-relea se tablet unless there is a dividing line and if a doctor recommends it. Swallow all or part of the tablet without crushing or chewing it.

If you are using the liquid form of the drug, use a medication measuring device to measure the dose specified. Don't use a kitchen spoon to measure.

The dose of dexchlorpheniramine maleate that you take will depend on your age, health condition, and your body's response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more frequently without your doctor's approval.

Use this medication regularly and preferably at the same time every day for optimal benefits.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Dexchlorpheniramine maleate is a drug that should be stored at room temperature and away from direct light. Do not store this medication in a damp place, such as a bathroom. Don't keep it on either freezer .

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard dexchlorpheniramine maleate product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for dexchlorpheniramine maleate for adults?

To treat allergic reactions in adults, the dose of dexchlorpheniramine maleate is 2 mg (1 teaspoon) taken every 4-6 hours, or 4 to 6 mg for regular use at bedtime or every 8-10 hours.

What is the dosage of dexchlorpheniramine maleate for children?

• For allergic reactions in children 2-5 years of age: 0.5 mg (1/4 teaspoon) every 4 to 6 hours. Don't use it periodically.
• For children 6-11 years of age: 1 mg (1/2 teaspoon) every 4 to 6 hours, or 4 mg of timed use at bedtime.

In what dosage is this drug available?

Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate Oral Solution USP 2 mg / 5 mL is produced as a red-orange solution with orange flavor in the following sizes:

• 16 fl oz (473 ml)

Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate Side Effects

What side effects may occur due to dexchlorpheniramine maleate?

Some of the side effects that may occur as a result of taking this medicine are:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizzy
• Sleepy
• Mouth / nose / dry throat
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Gag
• Trouble sleeping
• Stomach ache
• Restless and anxious

Not everyone experiences side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using this drug?

Not everyone is allowed to take this medicine. Some conditions that are not recommended for taking this medicine are:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Have an allergy to drugs, food, or other substances
• Irregular heartbeat
• Have a history of asthma, lung problems (for example, emphysema), heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart blood vessel problems, stroke, glaucoma, blockage of the stomach or intestines, ulcers, blockage of the bladder, difficulty urinating, enlarged prostate, seizures, or an overactive thyroid

Is dexchlorpheniramine maleate safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is not sufficient research regarding the risks of using Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, or the equivalent of the POM in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Dexchlorpheniramine maleate can be absorbed and left the body through breast milk. The side effects of using this drug are at higher risk in infants, newborns, and premature babies than in the general population.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with dexchlorpheniramine maleate?

Drug interactions can change the performance of the drug or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval

Some of the products that may interact with the drug dexchlorpheniramine maleate are:

• diphenhydramine
• antispasmodics (atropine, alkaloid belladonna)
• MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• medications for Parkinson's disease (for example, anticholinergics such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl)
• scopolamine
• tricyclic antidepressants (for example, amitriptyline)

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any drugs that cause drowsiness, such as:

• diphenhydramine
• carbamazepine
• alprazolam
• diazepam
• zolpidem
• codeine
• chlorpromazine
• risperidone
• amitriptyline
• trazodone

Check the labels on all medicines (for example, cold and cough medicines) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.

Dexchlorpheniramine maleate is very similar to chlorpheniramine. Do not use medications containing chlorpheniramine while taking this medication.

This medication may affect certain laboratory tests (including skin allergy tests), possibly causing false test results. Inform laboratory personnel and doctors who treat you if you are using this drug.

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used at mealtimes or accompanied by eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss use of this drug with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The existence of other health problems in your body can affect the performance of the drug dexchlorpheniramine maleate.

Tell your doctor if you have other health problems before starting taking this medicine.

Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of a dexchlorpheniramine maleate overdose include:

• blurred vision
• confusion
• hallucinations
• seizures
• severe or light dizziness
• headache
• sleepy
• an unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• gag

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of dexchlorpheniramine maleate, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.