Posts Tagged ‘phenylephrine’

How should I take chlorpheniramine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylephrine/ phenylpropanolamine?

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Take chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.Do not crush, chew, or break the long-acting or sustained-release forms of this medication. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure of the formulation of the medicine, ask your pharmacist for help.

If you cannot swallow the tablets or capsules, look for a liquid form of the medication.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm.

Do not take chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine for longer than 7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

Store chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Who should not take chlorpheniramine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylephrine/ phenylpropanolamine?

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Do not take chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

kidney disease,liver disease,diabetes,glaucoma,any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,thyroid disease,emphysema or chronic bronchitis, ordifficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions.

What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylephrine/ phenylpropanolamine?

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine.

Chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine is taken with any of these medications.

What are the possible side effects of chlorpheniramine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylephrine/ phenylpropanolamine?

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience

dryness of the eyes, nose, and mouth;drowsiness or dizziness;blurred vision;difficulty urinating; orexcitation in children.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect chlorpheniramine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylephrine/ phenylpropanolamine?

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Do not take chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain chlorpheniramine, phenyltoloxamine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine is taken with any of these medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

What is the most important information I should know about chlorpheniramine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylephrine/ phenylpropanolamine?

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

What is chlorpheniramine/ phenyltoloxamine/ phenylephrine/ phenylpropanolamine?

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Chlorpheniramine and phenyltoloxamine are antihistamines. They block the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Chlorpheniramine and phenyltoloxamine prevent sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

Phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine are decongestants. They constrict blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to open up.

Chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine is used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.

Chlorpheniramine/phenyltoloxamine/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is phenylephrine ophthalmic?

Wednesday, August 6th, 2008

Phenylephrine ophthalmic causes constriction of blood vessels in the eyes. It also enlarges the pupils, reduces the production of fluid in the eyes, and increases the amount of fluid that drains from the eyes.

Phenylephrine ophthalmic available over-the-counter is used to relieve redness, burning, irritation, and dryness of the eye caused by wind, sun, and other minor irritants. Prescription-strength phenylephrine ophthalmic is used to constrict blood vessels in the eye and to dilate (make bigger) the pupil for conditions such as glaucoma, before surgery, and before eye examinations.

Phenylephrine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I avoid while using phenylephrine ophthalmic?

Wednesday, August 6th, 2008

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Phenylephrine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying phenylephrine ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Phenylephrine ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

Do not use phenylephrine ophthalmic more often or continuously for longer than 48 to 72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage the blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or appear to worsen.

What are the possible side effects of phenylephrine ophthalmic?

Wednesday, August 6th, 2008

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using phenylephrine ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);an irregular or fast heart rate; orhigh blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, or flushed skin).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use phenylephrine ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience

burning, stinging, pain, or increased redness of the eye;tearing or blurred vision;headache;tremor;nausea;sweating;nervousness;dizziness; ordrowsiness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.