chlorphenamine maleate + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Sedating antihistamine plus sympathomimetic decongestant
Licensed use
Relief of allergic rhinitis
Form
Oral liquid
Driving
May cause drowsiness; do not drive or operate machinery if affected
What is chlorphenamine maleate + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride used for?
The selected product is licensed for symptomatic relief of:
Allergic rhinitis, including nasal blockage and watering eyes associated with allergy
How does chlorphenamine maleate + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride work?
Chlorphenamine blocks histamine-driven allergy symptoms such as watering eyes and nasal irritation. Pseudoephedrine narrows swollen blood vessels in the nose, reducing congestion.
How to take chlorphenamine maleate + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride
Swallow the oral liquid as directed on the label or supplied instructions. Measure it with a proper oral syringe or medicine spoon rather than a kitchen teaspoon. It may be taken with or without food. Do not combine it with other cough, cold or decongestant products unless a healthcare professional confirms this is appropriate.
Use an accurate medicine-measuring device.
Do not drive or operate machinery if drowsy, dizzy or affected by blurred vision.
Avoid alcohol because it can increase drowsiness.
chlorphenamine maleate + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness or difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Dry mouth or blurred vision
- Restlessness, nervousness, tremor or difficulty sleeping
- Palpitations or a faster heartbeat
- Constipation or difficulty passing urine
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden severe headache, confusion, seizure, vomiting or visual disturbance
- Severe allergic reaction with swelling or breathing difficulty
- Sudden loss or reduction of vision
- Sudden abdominal pain or rectal bleeding
- Fever, widespread redness and numerous small pustules
- Persistent fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat
chlorphenamine maleate + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride in pregnancy
This combination is generally not recommended during pregnancy because pseudoephedrine can reduce placental blood flow. Although chlorphenamine alone can be used when recommended, discuss the combination with a doctor or pharmacist.
chlorphenamine maleate + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
This combination should usually be avoided while breastfeeding. Chlorphenamine alone may sometimes be used cautiously, but pseudoephedrine has limited safety evidence and may reduce milk production. Ask about a more suitable option.
chlorphenamine maleate + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride interactions
Check all prescribed, pharmacy and herbal products before use. Important interactions include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including furazolidone
Concurrent use, or use soon after an MAOI, can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure and is contraindicated.
Tricyclic antidepressants
May increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms with pseudoephedrine.
Cardiac glycosides such as digoxin
May increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
Common questions about chlorphenamine maleate + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it make me sleepy?
Yes. Chlorphenamine is a sedating antihistamine and may cause drowsiness, dizziness or reduced concentration.
Can I drink alcohol?
Avoid alcohol because it can increase chlorphenamine-related drowsiness and impairment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.