Chlorphénamine pour les allergies

Aperçu

What is chlorphenamine used for?

Chlorphenamine is a type of antihistaminique used to relieve allergies such as:

• Rhume des foins.

• Food allergies.

• Drug allergies.

• Allergic skin reactions.

• Itching caused by infections such as varicelle.

It is also given to treat a type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxie, which is a medical emergency.

Chlorphenamine is available on prescription, or you can buy it without a prescription at pharmacies.

How does chlorphenamine work?

Chlorphenamine works by blocking the effects of histamine - a chemical that is released when the body is exposed to substances such as pollen, pet fur, peanuts, shellfish or insect bites.

Histamine causes allergic symptoms such as swelling, skin rashes, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny or blocked nose. Chlorphenamine relieves allergic symptoms like these.

Side effects of chlorphenamine

Common side effects of chlorphenamine include:

• Se sentir étourdi ou somnolent.

• Vision floue.

• Maux de tête.

• Bouche sèche.

• Manque de concentration.

• Maux d'estomac.

• Difficulty peeing (urinating).

Children and people over 65 years of age may be more prone to side effects from chlorphenamine.

You will find a full list of side effects in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

How to manage chlorphenamine side effects

Les effets indésirables s'améliorent souvent à mesure que votre corps s'adapte au nouveau médicament, mais parlez à votre médecin ou pharmacien si certains persistent ou deviennent gênants.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist for further advice.

Who should not take chlorphenamine?

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you, before you (or your child) start taking chlorphenamine it is important that you discuss the treatment with a doctor or pharmacist if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• You have a problem with the way your liver works.

• You have glaucoma, a condition which causes increased pressure in your eyes.

• You have prostate problems, or if you have been experiencing any difficulty peeing.

• Vous savez que vous avez une obstruction dans votre intestin grêle.

• Vous avez l'épilepsie.

• Vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.

• Vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.
  

How to take chlorphenamine

• Read the leaflet included with your medicine before taking chlorphenamine.

• Take chlorphenamine exactly as advised by your doctor or pharmacist.

• The usual recommended doses are:

  • Adults and children over 12: 4 mg every 4-6 hours. Maximum: 24 mg daily (12 mg daily if over 65).

  • Children aged 6-11: 2 mg every 4-6 hours. Maximum: 12 mg daily.

  • Children aged 2-5: 1 mg every 4-6 hours. Maximum: 6 mg daily.

  • Children aged 1-23 months: 1 mg twice daily, ideally morning and evening.

• If using liquid medicine for children, measure doses carefully using the instructions on the bottle.

• You can take chlorphenamine before or after food.

• Stop taking chlorphenamine once your symptoms have eased.

• If you miss a dose, take the next one as normal. Do not take two doses together.
  

Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement

• Chlorphenamine can cause drowsiness. If you feel sleepy, do not drive or use machinery.

• Avoid alcohol while taking chlorphenamine, as it can make drowsiness worse.

• Tell your doctor or healthcare professional you are taking chlorphenamine before any operation, treatment, or allergy test.

• Chlorphenamine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and avoid sunbeds.

Check with a pharmacist before taking other medicines alongside chlorphenamine, as some can increase side effects or interact with antihistamines.

How to store chlorphenamine

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.
  

Questions fréquemment posées

How long does chlorphenamine take to work?

Chlorphenamine usually starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour. Because it is a drowsy antihistamine, some people may feel sleepy soon after taking it.

The effects of chlorphenamine can last for several hours, and drowsiness may continue into the next day in some people.

Can you take chlorphenamine every day?

Chlorphenamine can be taken daily for short-term allergy relief if needed. However, long-term use should only be advised by a doctor or pharmacist.

Always follow the recommended dose and stop taking it once symptoms improve.

Can you drink alcohol while taking chlorphenamine?

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking chlorphenamine. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and make side effects worse.

Can chlorphenamine be taken with other antihistamines?

You should not take chlorphenamine with other antihistamines unless advised by a healthcare professional. Combining antihistamines can increase side effects such as drowsiness.

Can you take chlorphenamine during pregnancy?

Chlorphenamine usually can be taken during pregnancy. However, always let your doctor or midwife know that you are pregnant before taking it.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments