belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines and is primarily used to treat symptoms of the common cold and flu and symptoms of seasonal allergies. May also be used to treat allergic reactions, allergic skin conditions including hives and cough due to a condition called post-nasal drip." /> Advil Cold and Sinus Plus
 
 

Advil Cold and Sinus Plus

Brand Name:Advil Cold and Sinus Plus, Benylin, Dimetapp Daytime Cold Extra Strength, Dimetapp Nighttime Cold Extra Strength, Dristan, Novo-Pheniram, Sinutab (combined with Pseudoephedrine), Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Tylenol Cold, Chlor-Tripolon, Corcidin II Cough and Cold, and many more products

Prescription needed: No

What is this drug used for?

Chlorpheniramine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines and is primarily used to treat symptoms of the common cold and flu and symptoms of seasonal allergies. May also be used to treat allergic reactions, allergic skin conditions including hives and cough due to a condition called post-nasal drip.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine. Products which contain chlorpheniramine often contain other drugs – checks the product label to make sure you are not allergic to any other components.

Always share your full medical history with the medical team that is taking care of you, in order for them to provide you with the safest and most effective care.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • glaucoma (especially narrow angle glaucoma, or open angle glaucoma that is not being treated)
  • problems with your kidney or liver
  • difficulty going to the bathroom due to an enlarged prostate, urinary blockage, urinary incontinence or urinary retention
  • any heart rhythm problems
  • chronic breathing conditions
  • problems with constipation or blockage of intestines
  • an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

What about possible side effects?

This medication is usually well tolerated but you should be aware of some potential side effects. The following list of more common side effects can be quite bothersome, but unless they are severe, you should continue taking chlorpheniramine as directed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist to get advice on how to manage these side effects.

  • dry mouth, nose, and throat
  • upset stomach
  • drowsiness
  • dizziness
  • chest congestion
  • headache

Other less common side effects include:

  • anxiety
  • blurry vision or double vision
  • difficulty urinating
  • joint pain

Other less common but potentially serious side effects include:

  • severe skin rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hives all over the body or near the face and throat – signs of an allergic reaction - stop taking and get emergency medical help immediately
  • [heart palpitations] – if you have a heart condition, or family history of heart problems, stop taking and contact your doctor

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • other drugs that can cause tiredness, sedation, dizziness can increase the chances of having the same side effects - talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following drugs:
    • opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone)
    • opioid cough medications (e.g. hydrocodone, codeine)
    • some antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, doxepin, venlafaxine, paroxetine, trazodone)
    • medications for anxiety and insomnia (e.g. lorazepam, diazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, zopiclone)
    • antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone, haloperidol)
    • muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine, orphenadrine, baclofen)
    • drugs for epilepsy (gabapentin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid)
    • other antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine, brompheniramine, pheniramine, hydroxyzine, dimenhydrinate) – avoid combining other products that treat colds, flu or to help with sleep
    • alcoholic beverages, including wine, liquors, beer
    • herbal products (e.g. valerian, St John’s Wort)
  • drugs that can cause dry mouth, dry eyes, problems urinating or constipation (e.g. amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine; ask your doctor or pharmacist) - increase your chances of having similar side effects
  • MAO inhibitors may prolong and intensify the side effects of antihistamines, in particular causing fainting and dizziness
    • MAO inhibitors include phenelzine (brand name Nardil), tranylcypromine (brand name Parnate), moclobemide (brand name Manerix, generics available) isocarboxazid (available in the U.S.A. under the brand name Marplan) and others not available in Canada
    • low doses of the MAO inhibitor selegeline (brand name Deprenyl, generics available) may be safe but always be cautious and seek advice from your doctor
  • betahistine – antihistamines may reduce the effects
  • clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, quinidine, isoniazid, nelfinavir, indinavir, delavirdine, amiodarone, caffeine, cimetidine, cyclosporine, diltiazem, desipramine, diclofenac, doxycycline, erythromycin, sertraline, tetracycline, verapamil – may increase effects of chlorpheniramine
  • donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine – may have reduced effects if taken with chlorpheniramine

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Special Instructions:

  • If you are planning on having any skin tests for allergies, tell your doctor that you are taking this medication as it may affect the results of your allergy test.

Children: Can be used but lower doses are necessary. Children may show signs of excitement and hyperactivity versus drowsiness. Not to be used in children 2 years of age or younger. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Seniors: Not a good choice for seniors due to higher risk of side effects. Products containing chlorpheniramine tend to contain other drugs which may interact with medical conditions common in seniors. May see signs of excitement and agitation as opposed to drowsiness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.

Pregnancy: Safely used in normal doses.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk. May decrease milk production and may have an effect on your infant. Consult with your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: May cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurry vision. Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally.

Alcohol: Avoid the use of alcohol higher risk of experiencing drowsiness and dizziness while takingchlorpheniramine.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause severe and unusual drowsiness. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Can be safely stopped when symptoms improve.

If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it then continue taking as directed starting with that dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None