Chlorphenamine

Chlorphenamine maleate is an over-the-counter first-generation antihistamine which can help to relieve the symptoms of some allergies and itchy skin rashes. It can be used to treat the itchiness, redness, swelling, tenderness, and irritation that can be caused by hayfever and other allergies e.g. pet, house dust mite and mould spore allergies, nettle rash and hives, skin allergies and dermatitis, prickly heat and heat rash, reactions to food, food additives or medicines, insect bites and sting and the itchy rash of chickenpox. Chlorphenamine can take effect within 30 minute to 1 hour and is usually quicker than other antihistamines. Chlorphenamine isn’t recommended for long-term use and should normally be taken for a maximum of 2 weeks. Non-sedating antihistamines such as cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine or fexofenadine can be used all year round.

Chlorphenamine comes in 4mg tablets and usual dose for adults is 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours. The dose may be lower for patients with other medical issues, adults over 65 or for children. Chlorphenamine can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed with a drink of water, milk or juice. Only take chlorphenamine for symptomatic relief or for seasonal allergies. Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember but do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Like all medicines chlorphenamine can cause side effects although not everyone gets them. The most common side effects are feeling sleepy, feeling sick, feeling dizzy, dry mouth, headaches, or blurred vision. The full list of side effects is available in the patient information leaflet.