Drug interactions
Chlorpheniramine + Dexchlorpheniramine
Severity: Moderate
Chlorpheniramine and Dexchlorpheniramine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Dexchlorpheniramine is the active enantiomer of chlorpheniramine, so combining them is therapeutic duplication. It increases sedation and anticholinergic effects without added benefit and raises overdose risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpheniramine and Dexchlorpheniramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Chlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory; Dexchlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Duplicate H1-receptor antagonism with additive antimuscarinic and sedative effects.
What to do
Do not use both; choose one agent. Check combination cold products for hidden duplicate antihistamines.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Chlorpheniramine
Other interactions of Dexchlorpheniramine
- Alprazolam + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amobarbital + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Asenapine + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Azelastine-fluticasone + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpheniramine with Dexchlorpheniramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorpheniramine and Dexchlorpheniramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Dexchlorpheniramine is the active enantiomer of chlorpheniramine, so combining them is therapeutic duplication. It increases sedation and anticholinergic effects without added benefit and raises overdose risk.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpheniramine and Dexchlorpheniramine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use both; choose one agent. Check combination cold products for hidden duplicate antihistamines.
What other medicines interact with Chlorpheniramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorpheniramine with, for example, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Chlorpheniramine page.
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