What are Chlorphenamine 4mg Hayfever and Allergy Tablets?

These tablets are an antihistamine that can reduce the effects of symptoms caused by allergies such as hay fever. The active ingredient, chlorphenamine maleate, works to ease the effects of symptoms for several allergies, such as:

• Hay fever
• Rhinitis (nose irritation)
• Urticaria (also known as hives or nettle rash)
• Pruritus (itching)
• Insect bites or stings
• Food allergies
• Pet allergies

Who are Chlorphenamine tablets suitable for?

Chlorphenamine tablets are perfect for those looking for an everyday way to relieve allergy symptoms. If you’re struggling with hay fever, or have a pet hair allergy that flares up whenever you see your friend’s dog, these tablets can help you to manage your symptoms whenever you need them most.

What symptoms will I experience if I have hay fever or an allergy?

If you have an allergy, such as hay fever, then there are some common symptoms you might notice when you’re having an allergic reaction. Some of the most recognisable allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Itchy ears, mouth, throat, or nose
• Runny or blocked nose

How will the Chlorphenamine Maleate 4mg in these tablets help to ease my hay fever or allergy symptoms?

These tablets contain the active ingredient Chlorphenamine Maleate, which is an antihistamine. When you come into contact with something you’re allergic to, like pollen, dust, or pet hair, then your body begins to create a substance called histamine. Histamine causes symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes as it tries to remove the allergen from your body. Antihistamines block histamine receptors, helping to prevent those symptoms from occurring right from the start.

Can I take these if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, think you may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Do not take any medication before consulting a medical professional when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, just in case the product is not suitable for you or your baby.

Can I drive after taking these tablets?

These tablets can make you feel drowsy and may make your vision blurred after you’ve taken them. If you experience either of these side effects, do not attempt to drive, or operate any machinery or tools until this has completely passed and you are sure that you are safe to do so.

Can I take these tablets if I’m taking other medication?

If you’re taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or medicines obtained without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. This especially applies if you are already taking:

• Phenytoin, which is used for epilepsy
• Medications used to treat anxiety
• Sedatives
• Anticholinergic drugs, e.g. atropine, hyoscine
• Betahistine, which is used to treat vertigo and hearing disturbances
• Lopinavir, which is used to treat HIV

What is the usual dosage of this product?

Swallow your chlorphenamine tablet with a sip of water. The number of tablets you will need to take will change depending on your age:

• Adults and children over the age of 12: One tablet every 4 – 6 hours. Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours
• Children aged 6 – 12 years: Half a tablet every 4 – 6 hours. Do not take more than 3 full tablets in 24 hours

When should this product not be used?

Chlorphenamine tablets are not suitable for use by children under the age of 6. Do not take this product if you are allergic to chlorphenamine or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not take this product if you:

• Have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the past 14 days. These are used for depression and include Isocarboxazid (Marplan), Phenelzine (Nardil), and Selegiline (Emsam)
• Have known brain damage or epilepsy
• Are comatose or in a pre-comatose state
• Have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, as this product contains lactose

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you:

• Have raised blood pressure inside your eyes, including glaucoma
• Have an enlarged prostate
• Have an overactive thyroid
• Have very high blood pressure
• Have liver or heart disease
• Have asthma, bronchitis, or bronchiectasis (chronic inflammation of the airways)

Why do I need to answer questions before I can buy this product?

You do not need a prescription for chlorphenamine tablets, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that this product is the best choice for you.

Do chlorphenamine tablets have any side effects?

Like all medicines, Chlorphenamine can have side effects, although not everyone will get them. If you experience any of the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, stop use and seek immediate medical help:

• Difficulty breathing
• Raised and itchy skin
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Other side effects you may experience include:

• Feeling tired, blurred vision, dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache, inability to concentrate, lack of coordination
• Feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea
• Sleeping difficulties, nervousness, very high fever, convulsions, shaking or tremors
• Loss of appetite, heartburn, stomach pain, dry mouth
• Difficulty passing urine
• Ringing in the ears
• Other allergic reactions, e.g. skin peeling, itchy red skin rash, sensitivity to light
• Changes in heart rate, palpitations, low blood pressure, tightness in the chest
• Thickening of mucus which could cause a cough or phlegm
• Hepatitis showing symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes caused by liver or blood problems
• Reduction in red blood cells which can make your skin a pale yellow and cause weakness, breathlessness, and other blood problems
• Muscle weakness, twitching
• Depression, irritability, nightmares
• Excitation in children
• Confusion in the elderly

If you experience these or any other side effects, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.