Chlorphenamine Tablets 4mg

What are Chlorphenamine Tablets?

Chlorphenamine Tablets are a drowsy antihistamine. They can be taken to provide relief from the symptoms of hay fever or general allergies such as pet allergies or dust.

How to buy Chlorphenamine Tablets online

You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Chlorphenamine tablets online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. As Chlorphenamine is a 'Pharmacy-only' (P) medicine a pharmacist needs to have a consultation to make sure treatment is appropriate before you can purchase Chlorphenamine.
Upon completion of your order, our pharmacist will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.

How Chlorphenamine works

Chlorphenamine belongs the class of drugs known as antihistamines. Histamine is released in response to an allergen such as pollen, pet hair, dust etc. If too much histamine is released then this can cause the symptoms associated with allergic reactions such as itchy and/or watery eyes, running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes.
Chlorphenamine works by blocking the effects of histamine which then reduces these symptoms.

How to take Chlorphenamine tablets

Anyone 12+: ONE tablet every 4–6 hours, to a maximum of 6 tablets a day.
Elderly: ONE tablet every 4–6 hours, to a maximum of 3 tablets a day.
Children 6–11 years: 2mg every 4–6 hours, to a maximum of 12 mg per day.
Children 2–5 years: 1 mg every 4–6 hours to a maximum of 6 mg per day.
Children 1–23 months: 1mg twice daily.

Chlorphenamine tablets and alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking these tablets may make you feel very sleepy.

Chlorphenamine tablets and pregnancy

Chlorphenamine can be safetly taken while pregnant, though it may make you drowsy and a non-drowsy anti-histamine may be tried first.

Chlorphenamine and driving

It is important to note that as Chlorphenamine is a sedating antihistamine it is likely to make you drowsy, do not drive or use tools or machines.

Chlorphenamine tablets and breastfeeding

If your baby is healthy it is ok to take Chlorphenamine while breastfeeding. A small amount will pass through breast milk. It is unlikely the tiny amount of Chlorphenamine your baby receives from your milk will do them any harm. It is unlikely to have any affect, but if you notice any change in you babys behaviour such as not feeding as well as usual, is unusually sleepy or you have any concerns contact your doctor or health visitor.

Who cannot take Chlorphenamine tablets

They are generally well tolerated and suitable for most people over the age of 1. However it may not be suitable if you:

1. Have previously had an allergic reaction to Chlorphenamine
2. Suffer with glaucoma
3. Have problems urinating (peeing)
4. Have liver problems
5. Have heart problems
6. Suffer with epilepsy or other condition that causes seizures or fits

Please note: If you are due an allergy test, this medication can affect your results, stop taking it a few days before your test and let the clinic know you've been taking Loratadine.

Chlorphenamine interactions

It has minimal interactions the main ones to watch out for are:

1. Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Tranylcypromine
2. Medicines that can cause the same side effects as Cyclizine as it can make them worse such as a dry mouth, struggle urinating headaches etc.
3. Strong painkillers such as morphine
4. Alcohol – the anti-vomiting effect can lead to a increase likelihood of alcohol poisoning as well as effecting your breathing and ability to wake up from your sleep.

Please note: As this medication is anti-histamine you should avoid taking any other anti-histamines, while taking this medication such as Fexofenadine, Cetirizine etc.
You should also be aware that any herbal or alternative remedies you take may also interact with this medication and cause side effects. If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your GP, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
For a full list of interactions see: Chlorphenamine interactions.

Chlorphenamine side effects

As with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. Most people do not experience any side effect and if they do they will usually be mild. The most common experienced side effects include:

1. Nausea (feeling sick)
2. Drowsiness
3. Fatigue (feeling tired)
4. Headaches
5. Dry mouth
6. Dizziness

Some steps to help with side effects include:

1. Nausea – stick to bland foods until you get used to the mediciation
2. Headaches – make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids
3. Dry mouth – try chewing sugar free chewing gum
4. Dizziness – lie down until the feeling of being dizzy goes away.

Side effects should go away as you get used to the medication, if any of the side effects persist, you can try an alternative anti-histamine or contact your doctor for advice.
If you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat, contact 111 or your GP for further advice.
If you would like to see a full list of side effect please refer to the SPC below or look in the patient information leaflet.

Chlorphenamine Alternatives

There are other alternatives you can try if you find this medication doesn't work for you:

• Loratadine tablets
• Fexofenadine tablets
• Cetirizine tablets

It is important you do not take more than one type of antihistamine in a 24 hour period.
You can also try a nasal spray alongside your Chlorphenamine to help alleviate symptoms:

• Beclometasone nasal spray
• Avamys nasal spray

More Chlorphenamine information

If you would like more information, you can find the SPC here.

Chlorphenamine FAQs

• Can I take Chlorphenamine with other allergy medication?

  You can use Chlorphenamine with allergy nasal sprays such as beclometasone or avamys, eye drops such as sodium cromoglicate. Do not use Chlorphenamine with another anti-histamine unless you have been advised to by a doctor, always read the label of your medicine to make sure it does not contain an anti-histamine. If you have any concerns about if you can take a medicine alongside Chlorphenamine, contact your pharmacist or doctor.

• Can I take Chlorphenamine while pregnant?

  Chlorphenamine can be safetly taken while pregnant, however loratadine may be preferred as there are more studies surrounding its safety during pregnancy and it is non-drowsy.

• Can I use Chlorphenamine tablets while breastfeeding?

  Yes it is safe to use Chlorphenamine while breastfeeding.

• Can I drive while using Chlorphenamine?

  It is important to note that as Chlorphenamine is a sedating antihistamine it is likely to make you drowsy, do not drive or use tools or machines.

• Can I buy Chlorphenamine over the counter?

  Yes they can be bought over the counter.

• How many Chlorphenamine tablets can I take in one day?

  Do not exceed more than six tablets in a 24 hour period and do not take more than one type of anti-histamine in a 24 hour period unless advised to by a doctor.

• Are there any long term effects of taking Chlorphenamine?

  Chlorphenamine tablets are unlikely to do you any harm if you take them for a long time. It is still only recommended to take them for as long as you need to control your symptoms.

• Is it safe to buy Chlorphenamine from your pharmacy?

  We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
  If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.

• Do Chlorphenamine tablets expire?

  Yes, like most medicines it has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them, the expiry date refers the end of the month. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.

• How should I store Chlorphenamine?

  They should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Storing the tablets incorrectly could result in the tablets becoming less effective.

• How long does Chlorphenamine last?

  You will usually see an effect after around 30 minutes and will last around 4 - 6 hours.

• Will Chlorphenamine work?

  It is well known and is widely used to provide allergy symptom relief.

• Can I take Chlorphenamine with alcohol?

  Alcohol should be avoided or limited, as combining the two can make you sleep very deeply, it can also affect your breathing and cause difficulty in waking up.