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

Brand Names: U.S.

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

Brand Names: Canada

  • 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

Enters breast milk

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: Avoid use of this potent anticholinergic agent due to increased risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects; clearance decreases in patients of advanced age (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), CYP3A4 (major); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential; 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

ARIPiprazole: CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of ARIPiprazole. Management: Monitor for increased aripiprazole pharmacologic effects. Aripiprazole dose adjustments may or may not be required based on concomitant therapy and/or indication. Consult product labeling for specific recommendations. 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. Risk X: Avoid combination

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

Hyaluronidase: Antihistamines may diminish the therapeutic effect of Hyaluronidase. Management: Patients receiving antihistamines (particularly at larger doses) may not experience the desired clinical response to standard doses of hyaluronidase. Larger doses of hyaluronidase may be required. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

HydrOXYzine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

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

Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce adult dose of CNS depressant agents by 50% with initiation of concomitant methotrimeprazine therapy. Further CNS depressant dosage adjustments should be initiated only after clinically effective methotrimeprazine dose is established. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Metyrosine: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Metyrosine. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Mifepristone: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Minimize doses of CYP3A4 substrates, and monitor for increased concentrations/toxicity, during and 2 weeks following treatment with mifepristone. Avoid cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, fentanyl, pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus. 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

Distribution: Vd: Children: 4-7 L/kg; Adults: 6-12 L/kg (Paton, 1985)

Protein binding: 33% (range: 29% to 37%) (Martínez-Gómez, 2007)

Metabolism: Hepatic via CYP450 enzymes (including CYP2D6 and other unidentified enzymes) to active and inactive metabolites; significant first-pass effect (Sharma, 2003)

Half-life elimination: Serum: Children: 10-13 hours; Adults: 14-24 hours (Paton, 1985)

Time to peak: 2-3 hours (Sharma, 2003)

Excretion: Urine (Sharma, 2003)

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.

Test Interactions

May suppress the wheal and flare reactions to skin test antigens.

Dietary Considerations

May be taken with food or water. Some products may contain phenylalanine.

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: Quality of evidence - moderate; Strength of recommendation - strong).

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 [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]

Allergy Relief: 4 mg

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, long acting, oral, as tannate:

Ahist™: 12 mg [scored]

References

"American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults," J Am Geriatr Soc, 2012 [epub ahead of print].

Martínez-Gómez MA, Villanueva-Camañas RM, Sagrado S, et al, "Evaluation of Enantioselective Binding of Antihistamines to Human Serum Albumin by ACE," Electrophoresis, 2007, 28(15):2635-43.

Paton DM and Webster DR, "Clinical Pharmacokinetics of H1-Receptor Antagonists (The Antihistamines)," Clin Pharmacokinet, 1985, 10(6):477-97.

Sharma A and Hamelin BA, "Classic Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonists: A Critical Review of Their Metabolic and Pharmacokinetic Fate from a Bird's Eye View," Curr Drug Metab, 2003, 4(2):105-29.

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 (MY, 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)
  • 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)
  • Valemine (PH)

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Last full review/revision April 2012

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