DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE

Minor side effects (if these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor)

• Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, or throat; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.

Serious side effects (inform your doctor immediately)

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; tremor; trouble sleeping; vision changes.

• Dexchlorpheniramine is contraindicated in newborns or premature infants and in nursing mothers.
• As in adults, antihistamines may diminish mental alertness in children, in the young children particularly, they may produce excitation.
• Because antihistamines may have potent anticholinergic properties, dexchlorpheniramine meets Beers criteria as a medications that is potentially inappropriate for use in older adults.

Dosage

Applies to the following strength(s): 2 mg/5 mL ; 4 mg ; 6 mg ; 2 mg

• Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Reaction
  • Initial dose: 2 mg (1 teaspoonful) orally every 4 to 6 hours, or 4 to 6 mg of the timed-release preparation at bedtime or every 8 to 10 hours.

• Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
  • Initial dose: 2 mg (1 teaspoonful) orally every 4 to 6 hours, or 4 to 6 mg of the timed-release preparation at bedtime or every 8 to 10 hours.

• Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Reaction
  • 2 years to 5 years: 0.5 mg (1/4 teaspoonful) every 4 to 6 hours for children 2 to 5 years old (do not use timed release).
  • 6 years to 11 years: 1 mg (1/2 teaspoonful) every 4 to 6 hours, or 4 mg of the timed-release preparation at bedtime.

• Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
  • 2 years to 5 years: 0.5 mg (1/4 teaspoonful) every 4 to 6 hours for children 2 to 5 years old (do not use timed release).
  • 6 years to 11 years: 1 mg (1/2 teaspoonful) every 4 to 6 hours, or 4 mg of the timed-release preparation at bedtime.

• Renal Dose Adjustments
  • Data not available.

• Liver Dose Adjustments
  • Data not available.

• Dose Adjustments
  • Dosage should be individualized according to the needs and the response of the patient.