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Sedating antihistamine counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyDispensing and SupplySedating antihistamine counsellingGPhC CRA

A prescription for chlorphenamine 4mg tablets is being dispensed for hay fever. The patient is a forklift driver and says he has not taken it before. The label generated says 'take one tablet four times daily when required'. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — it may cause drowsiness, so assess individual response before driving or operating machinery

Chlorphenamine is a sedating antihistamine and can impair driving and machinery operation. A forklift driver needs explicit counselling about drowsiness and assessing response. A less sedating alternative may be more suitable depending on symptoms and patient factors. Alcohol can worsen sedation and should be avoided.

Reference: BNF; MEP