Chlorpheniramine Maleate is a medication that functions by inhibiting the production of certain substances (in this case, histamine) during the event of an allergic reaction. Histamine is a natural substance produced by the body as well as acetylcholine. By blocking these substances from being produced, chlorpheniramine maleate helps to dry up some body fluids, which results in relieving symptoms of allergic reactions to the likes of watery eyes and running nose. Chlorpheniramine maleate’s main component is chlorpheniramine, which is an antihistamine. In this article, we look at the uses and side effects of chlorpheniramine maleate.
The uses of chlorpheniramine maleate
The chlorpheniramine found in chlorpheniramine maleate is used to:
- Relieve symptoms like rashes
- Watery eyes
- Itchiness of the nose and other parts of the body
- Coughing
- Running nose and sneezing
- Common cold symptoms
- And hay fever symptoms as well
The medication comes in either liquid, capsule, or tablet form. Chlorpheniramine maleate can be acquired off the counter. However, some instructions come as part of the package that needs to be followed keenly. Further instructions and directions on usage can also be acquired from a pharmacist or a doctor during prescription.
Chlorpheniramine maleate should only be taken until the symptoms clear up and not longer. In most cases, a physician’s advice that the medication is taken for seven days. If the seven days lapse and the symptoms are yet to clear up, then you ought to seek advice from a doctor before continuing usage. In case you miss a dose when taking chlorpheniramine maleate, worry not about making up for the dosage as no dosing schedule is needed for this type of medication.
Important considerations
Before taking chlorpheniramine maleate, make sure that you do not suffer from conditions the likes of narrow-angle glaucoma, intestine or stomach blockages, asthma, or enlarged prostate as it may result in some undesirable side effects. Also, make sure that you are not allergic to the medication itself or its components.
Side Effects of chlorpheniramine maleate
Some of the side effects that may arise from using chlorpheniramine maleate include;
- Drowsiness
- Stomach upsets and or constipation
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Dryness of the throat, nose or mouth
While some of these side effects are normal and indicate the functionality of the medication, the persistence of the side effect may warrant a visit to the doctor. The less serious side effects like dryness of the mouth and throat can be relieved by sucking a sugarless bar of candy, ice chips, sugar-free gum, or only drinking a lot of water. A doctor may also help you determine if the symptoms are severe or not hence whether to stop using the medication or not.
Some of the severe side effects include;
- Mood changes
- Trouble urinating
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
Bottom Line
Chlorpheniramine maleate can be bought from physical drug stores or online stores as well. Before determining where to purchase the medication, make sure to check on the reliability of the store, and ensure that the drugs sold in the store are not counterfeit. Before choosing to medicate yourself with chlorpheniramine maleate, make sure that the symptoms (of allergic reactions) that you are experiencing are severe and would otherwise not go away.
