Medications Containing Chlorpheniramine
Chlorpheniramine (also known as chlorphenamine) is found in many over-the-counter and prescription medications, primarily used for treating allergic conditions and cold symptoms.
Common Medications Containing Chlorpheniramine
Single-Ingredient Products:
- Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine maleate) 1
- Generic chlorpheniramine tablets, capsules, and liquid formulations
Combination Products:
- Dimetapp (contains brompheniramine, which is closely related to chlorpheniramine) 1
- Actifed (contains triprolidine and pseudoephedrine) 1
- Various cold and allergy combination products containing:
- Chlorpheniramine with pseudoephedrine 2
- Chlorpheniramine with other decongestants, cough suppressants, or analgesics
Available Dosage Forms
- Immediate-release tablets: 4 mg 1
- Extended-release tablets: 8 mg, 12 mg 1
- Oral liquid: 2 mg/5 mL 1
- Injectable forms (for emergency use): 10 mg for adults 1
Clinical Considerations
Classification and Properties
Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation H1 antihistamine with significant anticholinergic properties 1, 3. Unlike newer second-generation antihistamines, it readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, resulting in sedation and other central nervous system effects.
Therapeutic Uses
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) 1
- Common cold symptoms 4
- Urticaria (hives) 1
- Allergic reactions 1
- Nonallergic rhinitis syndromes 1
Important Cautions
- Sedation: Causes significant sedation and impairment in school performance and driving ability 1
- Anticholinergic effects: Can cause dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and increased risk of narrow-angle glaucoma 1
- Drug interactions: Can interact with:
Special Populations
- Elderly: Increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects and sedation 1
- Renal impairment: Should be avoided in moderate to severe renal impairment 1
- Hepatic impairment: Should be avoided in severe liver disease 1
- Pregnancy: Generally avoided, especially in first trimester, though no teratogenic effects have been proven 1
- Children: Not recommended for children under 6 years due to potential toxicity 1
Emerging Research
Recent research suggests chlorpheniramine may have additional properties beyond antihistamine effects:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibition (SSRI) properties 5
- Potential antiviral properties being investigated for SARS-CoV-2 4
Important Safety Note
In 2007, the FDA's advisory committees recommended against using over-the-counter cough and cold medications containing chlorpheniramine in children under 6 years due to safety concerns and lack of proven efficacy 1.