Chlorpheniramine maleate, also called chlorphenamine maleate, is an antihistamine medicine. It helps reduce allergy symptoms by blocking histamine, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction.
In South Africa, it is found in some allergy and cold/flu medicines, including allergy tablets and combination cold or sinus products.
What is it used for?
Chlorpheniramine maleate may be used to help relieve:
Sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose or throat, watery or itchy eyes, hay fever, hives, itchy skin, insect bites, and some allergic skin reactions.
Some cold and flu products may also include chlorpheniramine maleate together with other ingredients, such as pain relievers or decongestants. Always check the label so you do not accidentally take the same ingredient twice.
How does it work?
When you have an allergy, your body releases histamine. Histamine can cause sneezing, itching, swelling, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Chlorpheniramine maleate blocks the effects of histamine, which helps reduce these symptoms.
Important: it can make you sleepy
Chlorpheniramine maleate is an older type of antihistamine. It can make some people feel sleepy, dizzy, slow, or less alert.
Because of this:
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do risky work until you know how it affects you. Be extra careful if you are driving long distances, using public transport, working night shifts, or operating equipment.
Alcohol warning
Avoid or limit alcohol while taking chlorpheniramine maleate. Alcohol can make side effects worse, especially sleepiness, dizziness, poor concentration, and slower reaction time.
Common side effects
Some people may experience:
Sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, nausea, constipation, or difficulty passing urine.
Children may become sleepy, but some children can become unusually restless or irritable.
Who should speak to a doctor or pharmacist first?
Speak to a doctor, clinic nurse, or pharmacist before using chlorpheniramine maleate if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding, are elderly, have glaucoma, have prostate or urination problems, have liver disease, have epilepsy, have asthma or breathing problems, take sleeping tablets, anxiety medicines, strong pain medicines, antidepressants, or other medicines that cause drowsiness.
Do not use it for emergencies
Chlorpheniramine maleate may help mild allergy symptoms, but it is not a substitute for emergency treatment.
Get urgent medical help immediately if you have:
Trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face, severe dizziness, fainting, chest tightness, or a serious allergic reaction after food, medicine, or an insect sting.
In South Africa, go to the nearest emergency unit or call local emergency medical services.
Using it safely
Take it exactly as directed on the label or by your pharmacist. Do not take extra doses to make it work faster.
Do not mix multiple cold, flu, sinus, or allergy products unless a pharmacist confirms it is safe, because some products may contain the same or similar ingredients.
Keep it out of reach of children. Overdose can be dangerous, especially in young children, and may cause severe sleepiness, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, or seizures.
Simple takeaway
Chlorpheniramine maleate is a useful allergy medicine that can help with hay fever, itchy skin, sneezing, and runny nose. In South Africa, it is available in some allergy and cold/flu products.
The main thing to remember is that it can make you sleepy, so avoid alcohol and be careful with driving or work that needs focus. When unsure, ask your pharmacist, doctor, or clinic nurse before using it.
