Brand name:

Chlor-Trimeton Allergy/Decongestant

Pronounced: klor-TRI-muh-ton

Generic ingredients: Chlorpheniramine maleate, Pseudoephedrine sulfate

What this drug is used for

Like regular Chlor-Trimeton Allergy tablets, these tablets temporarily relieve the sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, itchy throat, and runny nose caused by allergies such as hay fever. In addition, they contain an ingredient to unclog stuffy nose and sinuses.

The tablets come in 4-hour and 12-hour formulations. The 12-hour tablets are twice the strength of the 4-hour variety.

How should you take this medication?

* 4-HOUR ALLERGY/DECONGESTANT TABLETS

Adults

The usual dose for adults and children 12 and over is 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours.

Children

For children 6 to 12, break a tablet in half and give half a tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Do not give more than 2 whole tablets in 24 hours. For children under 6, consult your doctor.

* 12-HOUR ALLERGY/DECONGESTANT TABLETS

Adults

The usual dose for adults and children 12 and over is 1 tablet every 12 hours. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.

Children

Do not give to children under 12 unless your doctor approves.

* STORAGE

Store at room temperature. Protect from too much moisture.

Do not take this medication if...

Unless your doctor approves, avoid Chlor-Trimeton Allergy/Decongestant if you have a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, high pressure within the eye (glaucoma), heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or an enlarged prostate gland.

Special warnings about this medication

If you become nervous or dizzy, or if you have trouble sleeping while taking this product, stop using it and call your doctor.

If you do not feel better in 7 days, or if you develop a fever, contact your doctor.

Be aware that Chlor-Trimeton Allergy/Decongestant may cause over-excitement--especially in children.

Because Chlor-Trimeton Allergy/Decongestant can make you drowsy, be especially careful when driving or operating machinery while taking this product.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Do not use Chlor-Trimeton Allergy/Decongestant within 2 weeks of taking a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

If you are taking a tranquilizer such as Valium or Xanax, or a sleep aid such as Halcion or Seconal, do not take Chlor-Trimeton Allergy/Decongestant without your doctor's approval; the combination could cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol while taking this product.