dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine

Generic Name: dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine (DEX klor fen EER a meen, METH sko POE la meen, SOO doe ee FED rin)

Brand names: Durahist D, Histatab D, D-Hist D

What is dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine?

Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Methscopolamine reduces secretion of fluids in the body that cause sneezing, runny nose, and postnasal drip.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

The combination of dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine?

Do not take dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine if you have used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of dexchlorpheniramine, methschopolamine, and pseudoephedrine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by methscopolamine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold or allergy medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.

Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.

Do not take dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine for longer than 7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse and you also have a fever, talk to your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, or pseudoephedrine. Do not take dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine if you have used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:

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  epilepsy or another seizure disorder;

  
  


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  peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome;

  
  


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  thyroid problems;

  
  


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  asthma, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

  
  


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  diabetes;

  
  


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  glaucoma;

  
  


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  an ulcer or an obstruction in the stomach;

  
  


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  hiatal hernia or reflux disease;

  
  


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  bladder problems or difficulty urinating;

  
  


• an enlarged prostate;


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  high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or any type of heart disease; or

  
  


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  myasthenia gravis.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using dexchlorpheniramine, methschopolamine, and pseudoephedrine. This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use dexchlorpheniramine, methschopolamine, and pseudoephedrine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine.

How should I take dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may take this medication with or without food.

Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Swallow the pill whole. To make the tablet easier to swallow, you may break it in half where the tablet is scored

Do not take dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine for longer than 7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse and you also have a fever, talk to your doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine?

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medication. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold or allergy medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.

Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.

Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  fast or irregular heart rate;

  
  


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  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


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  rash or flushing; or

  
  


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  eye pain.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  dryness of your eyes, nose, and mouth;

  
  


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  blurred vision;

  
  


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  headache, dizziness;

  
  


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  weakness or nervousness;

  
  


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  nausea, bloating, heartburn, or constipation;

  
  


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  changes in taste;

  
  


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  difficulty urinating;

  
  


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  decreased sweating; or

  
  


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  feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

One tablet orally every 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 tablets in 24 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Rhinitis:

One tablet orally every 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 tablets in 24 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

6 to 11 yrs: One-half tablet orally every 12 hours. Do not exceed 1 tablet in 24 hours.

12 yrs: One tablet orally every 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 tablets in 24 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Rhinitis:

6 to 11 yrs: One-half tablet orally every 12 hours. Do not exceed 1 tablet in 24 hours.

12 yrs: One tablet orally every 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 tablets in 24 hours.

What other drugs will affect dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by methscopolamine. Many drugs can interact with dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

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  pramlintide (Symlin);

  
  


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  blood pressure medications;

  
  


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  potassium supplements;

  
  


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  antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;

  
  


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  migraine headache medications such as sumatriptan (Imitrex) and others; or

  
  


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  medicine to treat mental illness, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), risperidone (Risperdal), or trazodone (Desyrel).

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with dexchlorpheniramine, methschopolamine, and pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine resources

• Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine Side Effects (in more detail)
• Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine Dosage
• Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine Drug Interactions
• Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine - Add your own review/rating

Compare dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine with other medications

• Hay Fever
• Rhinitis

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine.

See also: dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine side effects (in more detail)

Benadryl Allergy Elixir

Pronunciation: DYE-fen-HYE-dra-meen
Generic Name: Diphenhydramine
Brand Name: Examples include Benadryl Allergy and Dytuss

Benadryl Allergy Elixir is used for:

Preventing or treating symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies or the common cold, such as runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes, and relieving cough. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Benadryl Allergy Elixir is an antihistamine and anticholinergic. It works by blocking the action of histamine, reducing the symptoms of an allergic reaction. It also works in the brain to cause sedation.

Do NOT use Benadryl Allergy Elixir if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Benadryl Allergy Elixir or other similar medicines


• you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Benadryl Allergy Elixir:

Some medical conditions may interact with Benadryl Allergy Elixir. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat


• if you have a history of asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); chronic bronchitis; lung problems (eg, emphysema); shortness of breath; sleep apnea; heart blood vessel problems; stroke; seizures; a blockage of your stomach, intestine, or bladder; difficulty urinating; diabetes; ulcers; an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems; glaucoma; heart problems; high blood pressure; the blood disease porphyria; phenylketonuria; or an overactive thyroid

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Benadryl Allergy Elixir. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Sodium oxybate (GHB) because an increase in sleep duration and a decrease in the ability to breathe are likely to occur

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Benadryl Allergy Elixir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Benadryl Allergy Elixir:

Use Benadryl Allergy Elixir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Benadryl Allergy Elixir by mouth with or without food.


• Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.


• Use Benadryl Allergy Elixir exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor. If you are taking Benadryl Allergy Elixir without a prescription, follow any warnings and precautions on the label.


• If you miss a dose of Benadryl Allergy Elixir and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Benadryl Allergy Elixir.

Important safety information:

• Benadryl Allergy Elixir may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Benadryl Allergy Elixir with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Benadryl Allergy Elixir; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.


• Benadryl Allergy Elixir may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.


• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.


• Benadryl Allergy Elixir may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Benadryl Allergy Elixir for a few days before the tests.


• Some of these products contain phenylalanine. If you must have a diet that is low in phenylalanine, ask your pharmacist if it is in your product.


• Benadryl Allergy Elixir may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Benadryl Allergy Elixir. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.


• Benadryl Allergy Elixir has diphenhydramine in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has diphenhydramine in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.


• If your symptoms persist for more than 1 week or if you develop a fever, contact your health care provider.


• Do not use Benadryl Allergy Elixir for a cough with a lot of mucus. Do not use it for a long-term cough (eg, caused by asthma, emphysema, smoking). However, you may use it for these conditions if your doctor tells you to.


• Use Benadryl Allergy Elixir with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, sedation, and lightheadedness upon standing.


• Different brands of Benadryl Allergy Elixir may have different dosing instructions for CHILDREN. Follow the dosing instructions on the package labeling. If your doctor has given you instructions, follow those. If you are unsure of the dose to give a child, check with your doctor or pharmacist.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Benadryl Allergy Elixir while you are pregnant. Benadryl Allergy Elixir is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Benadryl Allergy Elixir, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Benadryl Allergy Elixir:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, and nose; excitability; thickening of mucus in nose or throat.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); convulsions; fast heartbeat or pounding in the chest; decreased alertness; hallucinations; tremor; wheezing.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Benadryl Allergy side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; excitement; hallucinations; loss of consciousness; muscle twitching; seizures; tremor; weakness.

Proper storage of Benadryl Allergy Elixir:

Store Benadryl Allergy Elixir at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Benadryl Allergy Elixir out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Benadryl Allergy Elixir, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Benadryl Allergy Elixir is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Benadryl Allergy Elixir. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Benadryl Allergy resources

• Benadryl Allergy Side Effects (in more detail)
• Benadryl Allergy Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Benadryl Allergy Drug Interactions
• Benadryl Allergy Support Group
• 18 Reviews for Benadryl Allergy - Add your own review/rating

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