THE MERCK MANUAL: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
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Chlorpheniramine Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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Pronunciation

(klor fen IR a meen)

Generic Available (U.S.)

Yes: Syrup, tablet

Index Terms

  • Chlorpheniramine Maleate
  • CTM

U.S. Brand Names

  • Ahist™
  • Aller-Chlor® [OTC]
  • Chlor Hist [OTC]
  • Chlor-Trimeton® Allergy [OTC]
  • Chlorphen [OTC]
  • Diabetic Tussin® for Children Allergy Relief [OTC]
  • Ed Chlorped [DSC]
  • Ed-Chlor-Tan [DSC]
  • Ed-Chlortan
  • P-Tann [DSC]
  • Teldrin® HBP [OTC]

Canadian Brand Names

  • Chlor-Tripolon®
  • Novo-Pheniram

Pharmacologic Category

  • Alkylamine Derivative
  • Histamine H1 Antagonist
  • Histamine H1 Antagonist, First Generation

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • Antihistamine
  • Antihistamine, H1 Selective
  • H1 Antagonist
  • H1 Blocker
  • First Generation H1 Antagonist

Use: Labeled Indications

Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis and other allergic symptoms including urticaria

Use: Dental

Treatment of histamine-induced allergic symptoms

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Pregnancy Considerations

Reproduction studies have not been conducted with chlorpheniramine tannate.

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown/not recommended

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to chlorpheniramine maleate or any component of the formulation; narrow-angle glaucoma; bladder neck obstruction; symptomatic prostate hypertrophy; during acute asthmatic attacks; stenosing peptic ulcer; pyloroduodenal obstruction. Avoid use in premature and term newborns due to possible association with SIDS.

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).

Disease-related concerns:

• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease (including hypertension and ischemic heart disease).

• Increased intraocular pressure: Use with caution in patients with increased intraocular pressure.

• Prostatic hyperplasia/urinary obstruction: Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia and/or GU obstruction.

• Respiratory disease: Use with caution in patients with asthma or other chronic breathing disorders.

• Thyroid dysfunction: Use with caution in patients with thyroid dysfunction.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

• Sedatives: Effects may be potentiated when used with other sedative drugs or ethanol.

Special populations:

• Elderly: May be inappropriate in this age group due to potent anticholinergic effects; nonanticholinergic antihistamines preferred for treating allergic reactions (Beers Criteria).

• Pediatrics: Antihistamines may cause excitation in young children. Not for OTC use in children <2 years of age.

Adverse Reactions

>10%:

Central nervous system: Slight to moderate drowsiness

Respiratory: Thickening of bronchial secretions

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Headache, excitability, fatigue, nervousness, dizziness

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, xerostomia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, appetite increase, weight gain

Genitourinary: Urinary retention

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia, weakness

Ocular: Diplopia

Renal: Polyuria

Respiratory: Pharyngitis

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of CYP2D6 (minor), 3A4 (major); Inhibits CYP2D6 (weak)

Drug Interactions

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central): Anticholinergics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central). Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Anticholinergics. If the anticholinergic action is a side effect of the agent, the result may be beneficial. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Alcohol (Ethyl). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Amphetamines: May diminish the sedative effect of Antihistamines. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Anticholinergics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Anticholinergics. Exceptions: Levocabastine (Nasal); Paliperidone. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine: Antihistamines may diminish the diagnostic effect of Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine. Management: Suspend systemic H1 antagonists for benzylpenicilloyl-polylysine skin testing and delay testing until systemic antihistaminic effects have dissipated. A histamine skin test may be used to assess persistent antihistaminic effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Betahistine: Antihistamines may diminish the therapeutic effect of Betahistine. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CNS Depressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. Exceptions: Levocabastine (Nasal). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Conivaptan: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Upon completion/discontinuation of conivaptan, allow at least 7 days before initiating therapy with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate): May decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong): May decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Dasatinib: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Droperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (e.g., opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

HydrOXYzine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: For patients being treated with hydroxyzine, a reduction in the dose of any other CNS depressants that are to be used in combination is recommended. With concurrent use, monitor patients closely for excessive response to the combination. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Peginterferon Alfa-2b: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pramlintide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergics. These effects are specific to the GI tract. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: CNS Depressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Specifically, the risk of psychomotor impairment may be enhanced. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Tocilizumab: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions

Ethanol: May increase CNS depression; monitor for increased effects with coadministration. Caution patients about effects.

Storage

Protect from light.

Mechanism of Action

Competes with histamine for H1-receptor sites on effector cells in the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, and respiratory tract

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Half-life elimination, serum: 20-24 hours

Dosage

Oral:

Children: 0.35 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 4-6 hours

2-6 years: 1 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 6 mg in 24 hours

6-12 years: 2 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 12 mg/day or sustained release 8 mg at bedtime

Children >12 years and Adults: 4 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 24 mg/day or sustained release 8-12 mg every 8-12 hours, not to exceed 24 mg/day

Elderly: 4 mg once or twice daily. Note: Duration of action may be 36 hours or more when serum concentrations are low.

Hemodialysis: Supplemental dose is not necessary

Administration: Oral

May be administered with food or water. Timed release oral forms are to be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.

Dietary Considerations

May be taken with food or water.

Geriatric Considerations

Anticholinergic action may cause significant confusional symptoms, constipation, or problems voiding urine. If an antihistamine is indicated, a second generation nonsedating antihistamine would be a more appropriate choice.

This medication is considered to be potentially inappropriate in this patient population (Beers Criteria severity: High).

Additional Information

Not effective for nasal stuffiness.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

Key adverse event(s) related to dental treatment: Xerostomia (normal salivary flow resumes upon discontinuation). Chronic use of antihistamines will inhibit salivary flow, particularly in elderly patients; this may contribute to periodontal disease and oral discomfort.

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

Drowsiness is common; may cause excitability, nervousness, fatigue, or depression

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

Dry mouth and sedation may be exacerbated by concurrent psychotropic use

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Suspension, oral, as tannate:

P-Tann: 8 mg/5 mL (473 mL [DSC]) [sugar free; contains sodium benzoate; bubblegum flavor]

Suspension, oral, as tannate [drops]:

Ed Chlorped: 2 mg/mL (60 mL) [DSC]

Syrup, oral, as maleate:

Aller-Chlor®: 2 mg/5 mL (118 mL) [contains ethanol 5%, propylene glycol]

Diabetic Tussin® for Children Allergy Relief: 2 mg/5 mL (118 mL) [dye free, ethanol free, sugar free; contains phenylalanine 8.4 mg/5 mL]

Tablet, oral, as maleate: 4 mg

Aller-Chlor®: 4 mg [scored]

Chlor Hist: 4 mg

Chlor-Trimeton® Allergy: 4 mg

Chlorphen: 4 mg

Ed-Chlortan: 4 mg [scored]

Teldrin® HBP: 4 mg

Tablet, extended release, oral, as maleate:

Chlor-Trimeton® Allergy: 12 mg

Tablet, extended release, oral, as tannate:

Ed-Chlor-Tan: 8 mg [DSC]

Tablet, long acting, oral, as tannate:

Ahist™: 12 mg [scored]

International Brand Names

  • Ahiston (IL)
  • Alerfin (PY)
  • Alergidryl (AR)
  • Alergitrat (AR)
  • Aller (MY)
  • Allerfin (BF, BJ, CI, ET, GH, GM, GN, KE, LR, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, SC, SD, SL, SN, TN, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW)
  • Allergex (ZA)
  • Allergyl (BF, BJ, CI, ET, GH, GM, GN, KE, LR, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, SC, SD, SL, SN, TN, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW)
  • Allermin (TW)
  • Analerg (UY)
  • Antadex-H (MX)
  • Antamin (PH)
  • Bregamin (MX)
  • Cadistin (BF, BJ, CI, ET, GH, GM, GN, IN, KE, LR, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, SC, SD, SL, SN, TN, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW)
  • Chloramine (MY, SG)
  • Chlorpheniramine DHA (HK)
  • Chlorpheno (TH)
  • Chlorphenon (ID)
  • Chlorpyrimine (HK, MY, TH)
  • Chlortrimeton (ZA)
  • Clorfam (CO)
  • Cloro Trimeton (AR)
  • Cloro-Trimeton (MX)
  • Cloroalergan (PE)
  • Clorotrimeton (VE)
  • Co-Timine (TW)
  • Cohistan (ID)
  • Com-Trimeton (TW)
  • Derimeton (MX)
  • Histafen (NZ)
  • Histal (BB, BM, BS, BZ, GY, JM, NL, PR, SR, TT)
  • Histat (AE, BH, CY, EG, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Histatapp (TH)
  • Histavil (AE, BH, CY, EG, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Histin (AE, BH, CY, EG, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Istamex (GR)
  • Niramine (TW)
  • Orphen (ID)
  • Pehachlor (ID)
  • Pirafene (BG)
  • Piriton (AE, BB, BH, BM, BS, BZ, CY, EG, GB, GY, IE, IQ, IR, JM, JO, KW, LB, LY, NL, OM, PK, PR, QA, SA, SR, SY, TT, YE)
  • Trimeton (IT)
  • Tromine (HK)
  • Valemine (PH)

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Last full review/revision May 2011

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