From the FDA Drug Label
Directions adults and children 12 years and overtake 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, not more than 6 tablets in 24 hours children 6 years to under 12 yearstake 1/2 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, not more than 3 tablets in 24 hours children under 6 yearsdo not use The pediatric dose of Chlorpheniramine is as follows:
- Children 6 to under 12 years: 1/2 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, not more than 3 tablets in 24 hours
- Children under 6 years: Do not use
- Children 12 years and over: 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, not more than 6 tablets in 24 hours 1
From the Research
Chlorpheniramine dosing for children should be based on age and weight, with a recommended dose of 1-4 mg, as indicated by the most recent study 2. The dosing of chlorpheniramine for children is crucial to ensure efficacy while minimizing potential side effects.
Key Considerations
- For children 2-5 years old, the recommended dose is 1 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 6 mg daily.
- Children 6-11 years old should receive 2 mg every 4-6 hours, with a maximum of 12 mg daily.
- Adolescents 12 years and older can take the adult dose of 4 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 24 mg in 24 hours.
- For infants and children under 2 years, chlorpheniramine should only be used under direct medical supervision due to potential risks.
Administration and Monitoring
- The medication is available in various forms, including syrup (2 mg/5 mL), which is often preferred for younger children.
- Chlorpheniramine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, reducing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
- As an antihistamine, it may cause drowsiness, so monitoring for sedation is important, especially when starting treatment.
- Ensure accurate dosing using appropriate measuring devices rather than household spoons, and administer with food if stomach upset occurs.
Safety Profile
- A study on the safety profile of cough and cold medication use in pediatrics found that accidental unsupervised ingestions and medication errors were the most common exposure types, and liquid, pediatric, and single-ingredient formulations were most commonly involved 3.
- Another study highlighted the potential toxicity of chlorpheniramine plus chloroquine for the treatment of childhood malaria, emphasizing the need for caution in dosing 4.
Comparison with Other Medications
- A comparison of loratadine and dexchlorpheniramine in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis in pediatric patients found that both drugs were effective, but loratadine had a more favorable profile due to its once-a-day dosing 5.