What is Chlorphenamine syrup?
Chlorphenamine syrup is a treatment for symptoms of hay fever and allergies. It can be taken by children aged 1 and over, as well as adults, making it the perfect allergy remedy for the whole family. If you’re suffering from hay fever but don’t like taking antihistamine tablets, chlorphenamine solution could be the ideal treatment for you.
What causes hay fever symptoms?
Hay fever symptoms happen when your body is sensitive to pollen, which comes from plants and flowers, reacting when you come into contact with it. When your body reacts to pollen it produces a substance called histamine, which tells your body to get rid of the irritant. This causes symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, watery eyes, and itchy skin rashes.
Can I use chlorphenamine to relieve other allergies?
Chlorphenamine is an effective hay fever remedy, but it can be used to treat the symptoms of other allergies too. Some of the other reasons why you may use chlorphenamine syrup include:
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Dust mite allergies
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Pet fur allergies
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Nettle rash or hives
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Skin allergies or dermatitis
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Prickly heat or heat rash
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Reactions to food, food additives, or medicines
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Insect bites or stings
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The itchy rash caused by chickenpox
How will this chlorphenamine solution ease my allergy symptoms?
Chlorphenamine is an antihistamine, which means it relieves allergy symptoms by blocking the histamine your body produces when you come into contact with an allergen. This keeps the histamine from telling your body to react to the allergen, effectively preventing symptoms of hay fever and allergy. It can also help to reduce itching, redness, swelling and tenderness caused by allergic skin rashes.
Can I take this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This type of allergy remedy isn’t usually given to people during these times, so only take chlorphenamine solution if a medical professional has specifically told you to do so.
Can I drive after taking this medicine?
One of the most common side effects of chlorphenamine syrup is drowsiness, which can impair your ability to drive. If you experience this or any other symptoms which could affect your concentration, you should not attempt to drive or use any tools or machinery until the effect has passed and you are absolutely sure that you are safe to do so.
Can I take this product if I’m taking other medications?
If you’re taking any other medications you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking chlorphenamine syrup. This especially applies if you are already taking:
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MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), which are used for depression, or have taken them within the last 14 days
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Any medications to treat anxiety or help you sleep
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Any other medications containing antihistamines, including cough or cold medicines
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Medicines for epilepsy, e.g. phenytoin
How to take this product
Use a measuring spoon to pour out the correct dose of chlorphenamine liquid and take it directly from the spoon. The amount of this product you should take will depend on your age:
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Adults and children over 12: 10ml every 4 – 6 hours, a maximum of 60ml a day
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Children aged 6 – 12 years: 5ml every 4 – 6 hours, a maximum of 30ml a day
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Children aged 2 – 6 years: 2.5ml every 4 – 6 hours, a maximum of 15ml a day
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Children aged 1 – 2 years: 2.5ml twice a day, leaving at least 4 hours between each dose, a maximum of 5ml a day
When should this medicine not be used?
Chlorphenamine syrup is not suitable for use in children under the age of 1. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before giving this product to young children. Do not take this product if you are allergic to chlorphenamine or any of the other listed ingredients. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this or any other antihistamine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you or your child have:
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Epilepsy
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Liver disease
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Heart disease
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Bronchitis, asthma, or bronchiectasis
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High blood pressure
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Glaucoma
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An overactive thyroid gland
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An enlarged prostate
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An intolerance to some sugars, as this product contains maltitol
Does chlorphenamine syrup have any side effects?
Like all medications, chlorphenamine syrup can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop use and seek immediate medical assistance:
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Severe allergic reactions, e.g. skin itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, mouth, or throat
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Liver problems
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Anaemia or unexplained bruising or bleeding
Other side effects you may experience include:
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Drowsiness – if this happens to you, consider taking this product before bed, especially if your allergy symptoms are worse at night
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Difficulty concentrating, tiredness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision
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Loss of appetite, indigestion, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, tummy pain, dry mouth
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Difficulty peeing
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Low blood pressure, which may make you feel faint, or changes in your heart rhythm
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Chest tightness, thickening of phlegm (mucus)
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Skin peeling, itchy rash, sensitivity to the sun
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Ringing in the ears
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Twitching, muscular weakness, abnormal coordination
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Confusion, excitability, irritability, low mood, nightmares
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Excitement in children
If you experience these or any other side effects while taking this product, speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away. 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.
Can I buy chlorphenamine syrup over the counter?
You do not need a prescription for chlorphenamine syrup, 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.
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.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about an addiction to ‘over the counter’ medication we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
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