Chlorphenamine is an antihistamine medicine that relieves the symptoms of allergies.
It's known as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine. This means that it's likely to make you feel more sleepy than some other antihistamines.
It's used for:
- hay fever
- red, itchy eyes (conjunctivitis)
- eczema
- hives (urticaria) caused by food allergies or chickenpox
- insect bites and stings
Chlorphenamine is available on prescription, and to buy from pharmacies.
It comes as tablets or as a liquid that you swallow.
Chlorphenamine is sometimes mixed with other medicines like ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to treat coughs and colds. Brand names of chlorphenamine mixed with other medicines include Galpseud Plus Linctus.
Key facts
- Chlorphenamine usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to work.
- Wait at least 4 hours between doses.
- Common side effects include feeling sick (nausea), sleepy or dizzy. You may also have difficulty concentrating, a dry mouth, headaches or blurred vision.
- Do not drive a car or ride a bike if it makes you sleepy or dizzy or you get blurred vision.
- Do not drink alcohol while you're taking chlorphenamine. Alcohol may make you feel sick or more sleepy.
- If you've bought chlorphenamine from a pharmacy without a prescription, do not take it for longer than 2 weeks. If you're still having symptoms, speak to your doctor.