Chlorphenamine
Chlorphenamine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Chlorphenamine is a brand name. Its generic name is chlorphenamine maleate.
Chlorphenamine Maleate
Chlorphenamine maleate is an antihistamine that is used to treat or prevent allergies and other allergic conditions, such as hay fever, allergic asthma, hives, dermatitis, and itching. It is also used to treat nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. Chlorphenamine maleate is available in a variety of formulations, including tablets, liquid-filled capsules, liquid suspension, and syrup.
Introduction
Chlorphenamine maleate is a medication used to relieve symptoms of allergies and the common cold. It works by blocking the actions of certain natural substances in the body, such as histamine, that cause allergic and cold symptoms. This medication may be available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription.
Uses for
- Treating symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, allergic asthma, hives, dermatitis, and itching.
- Relieving nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness.
- Treating certain skin infections caused by mites, such as scabies and crabs.
- Alleviating symptoms of common cold.
Mechanism of Action
Chlorphenamine maleate works by blocking the action of histamine and other natural substances in the body that cause allergic and cold symptoms. It prevents the production of inflammatory substances in the blood called leukotrienes, which are responsible for symptoms of allergies and colds. In addition, it can also prevent or reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, which is responsible for the symptoms of itching and hives.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Chlorphenamine maleate typically begins to work within 30 minutes after taking it. Maximum relief can take up to 6 hours depending on the dosage.
Absorption
Chlorphenamine maleate is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 1-2 hours after administration.
Route of Elimination
Chlorphenamine maleate is mainly excreted in the urine as the unchanged drug and its metabolites.
Dosage
The dosage of Chlorphenamine will depend on the individual patient, the type of condition being treated, and factors such as weight, age, and other medications being taken. Common adult dosage is 2 mg varies 3-4 times a day. The maximum daily dose for an adult is 36 mg. The usual dosage for children 2-12 years of age is 1 mg-2 mg every four to six hours.
Administration
Chlorphenamine maleate can be taken orally or intravenously. It is most commonly taken as a tablet, liquid suspension, liquid-filled capsules, or syrup, and should always be taken with food or milk to avoid adverse effects.
Side Effect
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Rashes or redness of the skin
- Nausea, headache, and dry mouth
- Tiredness, bloating, or abdominal discomfort
- Anxiety or confusion
- Difficulty breathing or difficulty swallowing
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Toxicity
Chlorphenamine maleate can be toxic if taken in very large doses, usually more than 36 mg in an adult, or 12 mg in a child. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, confusion, agitation, vomiting, and slowed or irregular heart beat.
Precaution
- Chlorphenamine maleate should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and an enlarged prostate.
- This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so it is not recommended for driving or operating heavy machinery.
- It should not be taken with alcohol, as it could increase the drowsiness or dizziness.
- It should be used cautiously in elderly and pediatric patients.
Interaction
- Chlorphenamine maleate may interact with certain other medications, such as anesthetics, antacids, anticholinergics, phenothiazines, or tricyclic antidepressants.
- It may interact with certain foods, such as caffeine and dairy products.
Disease Interaction
- Chlorphenamine maleate may interact with certain diseases, such as asthma, thyroid disorder, heart disease, or seizure disorder.
- It may also interact with certain mental or mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.
Drug Interaction
- Chlorphenamine maleate may interact with certain drugs, such as anticholinergics, CNS depressants, or MAO inhibitors.
- It may also interact with certain herbal supplements, such as ginseng or St. John’s wort.
Food Interaction
- Chlorphenamine maleate may interact with certain foods, such as caffeine and dairy products.
- It may also interact with certain alcoholic beverages.
Pregnancy Use
Chlorphenamine maleate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks. This medication should not be used during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Lactation Use
Chlorphenamine maleate should be used during lactation only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.
Acute Overdose
The symptoms of acute overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, agitation, vomiting, slowed or irregular heart beat, and in some cases coma.
Contraindication
- Chlorphenamine maleate should not be taken if you have certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, or an enlarged prostate.
- It should not be taken if you are allergic to it, or to any other antihistamine.
- It should not be taken if you are taking certain medications, such as MAO inhibitors, sedatives, or tricyclic antidepressants.
Use Direction
Chlorphenamine maleate should be taken as directed by your doctor, or as indicated on the medication label. It should be taken with food or milk to avoid adverse effects. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose, and contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Storage Condition
Chlorphenamine maleate should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and moisture.
Volume of Distribution
Chlorphenamine maleate is readily distributed throughout the body with an apparent volume of distribution of 0.4-0.5 L/kg.
Half Life
Chlorphenamine maleate has an elimination half-life of 4-13 hours, depending on the dosage and the presence of other medications.
Clearance
The terminal elimination half-life of Chlorphenamine is 3-13 hours, but it is variable with different doses and in the presence of other medications.
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