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Chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan

Generic name: chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan [ klor-feh-NEER-a-meen-and-DEX-troe-meh-THOR-fan ]
Brand names: Children's NyQuil Cold and Cough, Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold, Cough And Cold, Robitussin Pediatric Cough and Cold Long-Acting, Scot-Tussin Sugar Free DM, ... show all 22 brands
Dosage forms: oral liquid (1 mg-5 mg/5 mL; 1 mg-7.5 mg/5 mL; 2 mg-15 mg/15 mL), oral syrup (2 mg-15 mg/5 mL), ... show all 4 dosage forms
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 21, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant.

Chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan is a combination medicine used to treat sneezing, runny nose, and cough caused by the common cold.

Chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan and call your doctor at once if you have severe drowsiness.

Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan may include:

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.

Warnings

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Do not use cough or cold medicine to make a child sleepy.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or dextromethorphan.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cough or cold medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell your surgeon or doctor if you are currently using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan dosing information

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion:

Chlorpheniramine-dextromethorphan 1 mg-5 mg oral tablet, chewable:
>=6 <12 yrs: 2 tablets orally, chewed or dissolved before swallowing, every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 6 doses daily.

Chlorpheniramine-dextromethorphan 1 mg-5 mg/5 mL oral liquid:
>=6 <12 yrs: 10 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 6 doses daily.

Chlorpheniramine-dextromethorphan 1 mg-7.5 mg/5 mL oral liquid:
>=6 <12 yrs: 10 mL orally every 6 hours not to exceed 4 doses daily.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cough or cold medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

What other drugs will affect chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.