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Overview: Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that is taken to reduce allergy symptoms and treat certain types of allergic reactions. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness, coordination, or clear vision until you know how dexchlorpheniramine affects you. Call your health care provider right away if you are having trouble peeing or cannot empty your bladder while taking dexchlorpheniramine.

Uses

What is dexchlorpheniramine used for?

Dexchlorpheniramine is commonly taken for the following conditions.

Dexchlorpheniramine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does dexchlorpheniramine work (mechanism of action)?

Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine.

How is dexchlorpheniramine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Polaramine
  • Polmon
  • Ryclora

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2 mg/5 mL oral solution

How should I store dexchlorpheniramine?

Dexchlorpheniramine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of dexchlorpheniramine?

The most common side effects of dexchlorpheniramine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness or tiredness
  • Dizziness or feeling off balance
  • Confusion
  • Restlessness, nervousness, or irritability (especially in children)
  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat
  • Nausea or vomiting 

There may be other side effects of dexchlorpheniramine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of dexchlorpheniramine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of dexchlorpheniramine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Dexchlorpheniramine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking dexchlorpheniramine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Seizures. Some people who have taken dexchlorpheniramine have reported having convulsions, also known as seizures. This may be more common in children. There are many types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking dexchlorpheniramine and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Dexchlorpheniramine might make it harder to empty your bladder, especially if you already have a blockage. Stop taking dexchlorpheniramine and call your health care provider right away if you are having trouble peeing or cannot empty your bladder.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use dexchlorpheniramine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take dexchlorpheniramine.

  • Dexchlorpheniramine
  • Polaramine
  • Polmon
  • Ryclora
  • Any other medicine known as a first-generation antihistamine 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dexchlorpheniramine products they stock.

Certain Lung Symptoms. Dexchlorpheniramine should not be taken to treat symptoms of certain lung problems, including asthma.

Drug Interactions. Dexchlorpheniramine should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking dexchlorpheniramine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Infants. Dexchlorpheniramine should not be used in newborn or premature babies. This medicine can cause serious side effects in these infants. 

Breastfeeding. Do not take dexchlorpheniramine if you are breastfeeding. You must either stop breastfeeding or stop taking dexchlorpheniramine. See the Breastfeeding section for more details.

What should I know about dexchlorpheniramine before using it?

Do not take dexchlorpheniramine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share dexchlorpheniramine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep dexchlorpheniramine out of the reach of children.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Dexchlorpheniramine can affect your alertness or coordination and may cause your vision to be blurry. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness, coordination, or clear vision until you know how dexchlorpheniramine affects you.

Dexchlorpheniramine can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

People who are 60 and older or those younger than 18 can be at greater risk of some side effects from dexchlorpheniramine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in these age groups.

What should I tell my health care provider before using dexchlorpheniramine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if dexchlorpheniramine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Increased pressure in your eyes or glaucoma
  • Stomach or bowel problems, including ulcers or blockages
  • Bladder or prostate problems, including a blockage or an enlarged prostate
  • Breathing or lung problems, including asthma
  • Thyroid problems
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how dexchlorpheniramine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not take dexchlorpheniramine while you are breastfeeding. Dexchlorpheniramine can pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does dexchlorpheniramine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between dexchlorpheniramine and foods or drinks.

The risk of dizziness and drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking dexchlorpheniramine.

Does dexchlorpheniramine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking dexchlorpheniramine.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, other allergy medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with dexchlorpheniramine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much dexchlorpheniramine?

If you or someone else has taken too much dexchlorpheniramine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of dexchlorpheniramine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.