ChlorpheniramineOver the counter

Pronounced klor-fen-EER-ah-meen

Brand names: Chlor-Trimeton

Type: Antihistamine (sedating) · All Allergy Medicines

What Chlorpheniramine is used for

  • Allergy symptoms
  • Cold symptoms, in combination products

Common side effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Constipation

Important cautions

  • Sedating and confusing in older adults, in whom it is generally best avoided
  • Many combination cold products contain antihistamines — check labels to avoid doubling up

How it comes

Tablets, extended-release tablets, liquid. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.