Ed A-Hist DM Liquid

Manufacturer WOMEN'S CHOICE Active Ingredient Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Dextromethorphan Liquid(klor fen IR a meen, fen il EF rin, & deks troe meth OR fan) Pronunciation klor fen IR a meen, fen il EF rin, & deks troe meth OR fan
It is used to treat nose stuffiness.It is used to ease allergy signs.It is used to relieve coughing.
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Drug Class
Antihistamine, Decongestant, Antitussive
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Pharmacologic Class
H1-receptor antagonist, Alpha-1 adrenergic agonist, NMDA receptor antagonist
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Pregnancy Category
Category C
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FDA Approved
Jan 1970
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

This medicine is a combination product used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, allergies, or other breathing illnesses. It contains an antihistamine (chlorpheniramine) to help with sneezing and runny nose, a decongestant (phenylephrine) to clear stuffy nose, and a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) to reduce coughing.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food, but if it causes stomach upset, take it with food to help minimize discomfort. When taking the liquid form, measure the dose carefully using the measuring device that comes with the medication. If no device is provided, ask your pharmacist for a suitable measuring tool.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

Store this medication at room temperature in a dry location, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs available in your area.

Missing a Dose

If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you, as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication, as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and soothe your throat.
  • Do not exceed the recommended dose, as this can lead to serious side effects.
  • Consult a healthcare professional before taking this medication if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, glaucoma, or prostate enlargement.
  • Do not use with other products containing antihistamines, decongestants, or cough suppressants to avoid accidental overdose.

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours

Condition-Specific Dosing:

maxDailyDose: 60 mL (12 teaspoonfuls)
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established (generally not recommended for children under 2 years)
Child: Children 6 to under 12 years: 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Children under 6 years: Consult a doctor.
Adolescent: Children 12 years and over: 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours.
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment recommended, use with caution.
Moderate: Use with caution, consider reduced frequency or dose due to chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan excretion.
Severe: Use with caution, consider significant dose reduction or avoidance due to accumulation of active ingredients and metabolites.
Dialysis: Not well studied for combination; individual components may be dialyzable to varying degrees. Consult nephrologist.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment recommended, use with caution.
Moderate: Use with caution, consider reduced frequency or dose due to impaired metabolism of all components.
Severe: Use with caution, consider significant dose reduction or avoidance due to impaired metabolism and increased risk of adverse effects.

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Chlorpheniramine is an alkylamine antihistamine that competitively blocks H1-receptors, reducing histamine-mediated symptoms like sneezing and rhinorrhea. Phenylephrine is a direct-acting sympathomimetic amine that acts primarily on alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the respiratory tract mucosa, causing vasoconstriction and reducing nasal congestion. Dextromethorphan is a non-opioid antitussive that acts centrally on the cough center in the medulla to elevate the cough threshold.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Chlorpheniramine: 25-50%; Phenylephrine: Low (due to first-pass metabolism); Dextromethorphan: Rapid
Tmax: Chlorpheniramine: 2.5-6 hours; Phenylephrine: 0.5-2 hours; Dextromethorphan: 2-2.5 hours
FoodEffect: May delay absorption but generally not clinically significant.

Distribution:

Vd: Chlorpheniramine: 3.2 L/kg; Phenylephrine: Not well established; Dextromethorphan: High (lipophilic)
ProteinBinding: Chlorpheniramine: 69-72%; Phenylephrine: Not well established; Dextromethorphan: 60-70%
CnssPenetration: Chlorpheniramine: Yes (causes sedation); Phenylephrine: Limited; Dextromethorphan: Yes

Elimination:

HalfLife: Chlorpheniramine: 12-43 hours; Phenylephrine: 2-3 hours; Dextromethorphan: 1.4-3.9 hours (parent drug), 10-26 hours (dextrorphan)
Clearance: Not available for combination
ExcretionRoute: Renal (primarily)
Unchanged: Chlorpheniramine: 34%; Phenylephrine: 2.6% (oral); Dextromethorphan: <1%
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Chlorpheniramine: 15-60 minutes; Phenylephrine: 15-30 minutes; Dextromethorphan: 15-30 minutes
PeakEffect: Chlorpheniramine: 2-6 hours; Phenylephrine: 1-2 hours; Dextromethorphan: 1-2 hours
DurationOfAction: Chlorpheniramine: 4-6 hours; Phenylephrine: 4 hours; Dextromethorphan: 5-6 hours
Confidence: Medium

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Chest pain or pressure
Fast heartbeat
Shakiness

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help:

Dizziness
Drowsiness
Feeling nervous and excitable
* Trouble sleeping

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Severe dizziness or drowsiness
  • Nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat
  • High blood pressure (headache, blurred vision)
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Blurred vision
  • Rash or itching
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hallucinations or confusion (especially with high doses)
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
Respiratory conditions, such as a cough that produces a significant amount of mucus, a persistent cough caused by smoking or exposure to smoke, or lung diseases like asthma or emphysema.
If you have taken certain medications for depression or Parkinson's disease within the last 14 days, including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, as this may increase the risk of severely high blood pressure.
If you are currently taking linezolid or methylene blue, as these medications can interact with this drug.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your medical history, including any health problems you have

This information will help your doctor determine whether it is safe for you to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Before engaging in activities that require your full attention, such as driving, wait until you understand how this drug affects you.

To minimize the risk of severe side effects, adhere strictly to the dosage instructions provided by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose, and do not take this medication for a longer period than prescribed.

While using this drug, avoid consuming alcohol, as it may interact with the medication. Additionally, consult your doctor before using marijuana, cannabis products, or any prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness or slow your reactions.

When administering this medication to a child, exercise caution, as children may have a higher risk of experiencing excitability. Note that different brands of this drug may be suitable for different age groups of children, so it is crucial to consult with your doctor before giving this medication to a child. Furthermore, do not use this drug as a means to induce sleep in a child; instead, discuss alternative solutions with your doctor.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Severe drowsiness or dizziness
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
  • Rapid heart rate, palpitations
  • High blood pressure, headache
  • Dilated pupils
  • Agitation, restlessness, irritability
  • Hallucinations, confusion
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty breathing, shallow breathing
  • Coma

What to Do:

Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken and the amount.

Drug Interactions

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (concurrent use or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs) - risk of hypertensive crisis, hyperpyrexia, severe CNS depression or excitation.
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Major Interactions

  • CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids, anxiolytics) - increased sedation, respiratory depression, and CNS effects.
  • Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, atropine, some antipsychotics) - increased anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, constipation).
  • Sympathomimetics (e.g., other decongestants, appetite suppressants, stimulants) - increased cardiovascular effects (hypertension, tachycardia).
  • Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants) - risk of serotonin syndrome with dextromethorphan.
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Moderate Interactions

  • Antihypertensives (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) - phenylephrine may reduce their hypotensive effect.
  • Digoxin - phenylephrine may increase risk of arrhythmias.
  • CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine) - may increase dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine levels, leading to increased side effects.
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Minor Interactions

  • Not available

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Medical history (especially cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema)

Rationale: To identify contraindications or conditions requiring caution due to sympathomimetic, anticholinergic, and respiratory depressant effects.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Current medications (prescription, OTC, herbal, supplements)

Rationale: To identify potential drug-drug interactions, especially with MAOIs, CNS depressants, and serotonergic agents.

Timing: Prior to initiation

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Routine Monitoring

Symptom relief (cough, congestion, sneezing, runny nose)

Frequency: Daily, as needed

Target: Improved comfort, reduced symptoms

Action Threshold: Lack of improvement after 7 days, worsening symptoms, or new symptoms (e.g., fever, rash) warrant medical evaluation.

Adverse effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, insomnia, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, increased blood pressure, heart rate)

Frequency: Daily, as needed

Target: Absence or mild, tolerable effects

Action Threshold: Severe or persistent adverse effects, signs of overdose, or allergic reaction require immediate medical attention.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Effectiveness of cough suppression
  • Degree of nasal decongestion
  • Reduction in sneezing and rhinorrhea
  • Sedation/drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nervousness/restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth/throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Urinary difficulty
  • Palpitations/tachycardia
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Nausea/vomiting

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester and near term. Phenylephrine (Category C) and Chlorpheniramine (Category C) have potential risks. Dextromethorphan (Category C) is generally considered safer than other antitussives but still requires caution. Use only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus, and under medical supervision.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Increased risk of congenital malformations with some decongestants (though phenylephrine data is mixed). Antihistamines generally avoided.
Second Trimester: Generally considered safer than first or third trimester, but still use with caution.
Third Trimester: Antihistamines (chlorpheniramine) may cause irritability or sedation in the newborn. Decongestants (phenylephrine) may reduce uterine blood flow. Avoid use near term.
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Lactation

Use with caution or avoid. Chlorpheniramine is generally not recommended due to potential for sedation in the infant and reduction in milk supply. Phenylephrine is generally considered low risk but can reduce milk supply. Dextromethorphan is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised with combination products. Monitor infant for drowsiness or irritability.

Infant Risk: Risk L3 (Moderately Safe - use with caution, monitor infant for adverse effects, potential for decreased milk supply).
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Pediatric Use

Not recommended for children under 6 years of age without consulting a doctor due to potential for serious side effects, including overdose. Dosing for children 6-12 years must be carefully followed. Always use a measuring device provided with the product to ensure accurate dosing.

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Geriatric Use

Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects (e.g., sedation, confusion, urinary retention, constipation) and sympathomimetic effects (e.g., hypertension, tachycardia, insomnia). Start with lower doses and monitor closely.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • This is an OTC product; emphasize the importance of reading the Drug Facts label carefully and not exceeding recommended doses.
  • Advise patients to check other medications (prescription and OTC) for similar ingredients to avoid accidental overdose.
  • Warn patients about potential for drowsiness and impaired ability to drive or operate machinery.
  • Educate on signs of serotonin syndrome, especially if patients are on other serotonergic drugs.
  • For patients with underlying conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma), advise consultation with a healthcare provider before use.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Single-ingredient antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine for allergies)
  • Single-ingredient decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline nasal spray for congestion)
  • Single-ingredient cough suppressants (e.g., guaifenesin, plain dextromethorphan for cough)
  • Non-pharmacological treatments (e.g., saline nasal sprays, humidifiers, warm fluids, rest)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: $5 - $20 per 4 oz (120 mL) bottle
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: OTC (Over-the-Counter) - generally not covered by prescription insurance, but may be eligible for FSA/HSA.
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.