CHLORPHENAMINE 4 mg TABLETS

The name of this medicine is CHLORPHENAMINE 4 mgTABLETS

Do you suffer from epilepsy 7 Do you have glaucoma 7 Do you have urinary difficulties or prostate trouble ?

Do you have liver disease 7

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.

• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it

again.

•    This medicine is only for you. Do not give it to anyone else to take. Il may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

•    If you have any further questions, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

•    If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

IN THIS LEAFLET

1. What Chlorphenamino Tablets are and what they are used for

2.    Before you take ChlorphenamineTablets

3.    How to take Chlorphenamine Tablets

4.    Possible side effects

5.    How to store Chlorphenamine Tablets

6. Further information

OWHAT CHLORPHENAMINE TABLETS ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR

Chlorphenamine belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. Histamine is one of the chemicals released in the body when there is an allergic reaction and chlorphenamine works by blocking the action of histamine. Chlorphenamine is used to relieve the symptoms of allergic conditions such as havfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), rhinitis, urticaria (also known as "hives"), pruritis, insect bito or sting reactions, allergies to foods or medicines.

It helps to relieve the symptoms associated with the above conditions such as itchy skin rashes, sneeaing. itchy, runny or blocked nose; red. itchy and watering eyes.

BEFORE YOU TAKE CHLORPHENAMINE TABLETS

If the answer to any of the following questions is YES, DO NOT take this medicine without consulting your doctor

•    Have you previously suffered an allergic reaction to a medicine containing chlorphenamine or to any of the other ingredients in this medicine (see WHAT IS IN THIS MEDICINE above) 7

•    Are you pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding 7

Take Special Care:

If you have any of the following talk to your doctor before taking Chlorphenamine tablets:

•    Very high blood pressure

•    Heart disease

•    Bronchitis, asthma or other breathing difficulties

•    Duodenal obstruction

•    An over active thyroid gland.

Chlorphenamine must not be given to patients in a coma or patients with brain damege.

Using other medicines

You should consult your doctor BEFORE taking with any other medicines {including any not prescribed by your doctor) and especially any of the following

•    Medicines which have a sedative effect such as Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIsl {e,g. drugs to help sleeping problems O’ anxiety) as they are likely to increase the sedative effects of chlorphenamine

•    Anticholinergic drugs (also known as antimuscarinic drugs) e.g. atropine and hyoscine as the action of chlorphenamine may be increased

•    The effects of betahistine (a drug used to treat vertigo and hearing disturbances! may be reduced if taken with chlorphenamine

•    The effects of phenytom (a medicine used to treat epilepsyl may be increased when taken with Chlorphenamine.

Warning: This medicine may make you feel sleepy. If this happens do not drive or iwn tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol.

Important information about some of the ingredients of CHLORPHENAMINE Tablets

Do not take these tablets if you have beer told you have an intolerance to some sugars as these tablets contain lactose

This medicine contains sunset yellow E11J which can sometimes cause allergic-type reactions, including asthma.

This tends to bo moro common in people who are sensitive to aspirin.

HOW TO TAKE CHLORPHENAMINE TABLETS

For oral use. The tablets should be swallowed with a drink of water. You should take yotr medicine as directed by your doctor.

The pharmacist's label should tell you how much to take and how often. If it does not or if you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The usual doses are as follows Adults and the elderly:

One tablet (4 mg) every four lo six hours {maximum of 6 tablets daily).

Children 6-12 years of age:

Half a tablet |2 mg) every four to six hours (maximum of 3 tablets daily).

Not recommended for children under 6 years of age

The dose prescribed by your doctor may be different to the usual dose given above; always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for taking medicines.

H you have taken more than you should:

If you or anyone else has taken too many tablets you should contact your doctor or nearest hospital casualty department immediately. Do not attempt to drive. Symptoms in children include hallucinations, excitement and convulsions. In adults symptoms include drowsiness, coma and convulsions.

If you forget to take a dose of Chlorphenamine Tablets

Do not take a double dose to make up lor forgotten individual doses.

Q POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, chlorphenamine can have some side effects and the commonest side effect is drowsiness.

If you experience any of the following then STOP taking the medicine and contact a doctor immediately.

•    Allergic reactions may occur rerely with symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or wheeziness

•    Other side effects include headache, muscle inco-ordination, dry mouth, blurred vision, difficulty oassing urine, increased thickening of phlegm and tummy upset

•    Children may become more excitable Ithis may also occur if chlorphenamine is taken in high doses) with symptoms such as irritability, difficulty in sleeping and nightmares

•    Rarer side effects include sleeping difficulties, nervousness, high fever, shaking, tremors, and epileptic type convulsions, blood disorders, loss of appetite, depression, disturbances in attention, fatigue, dizziness, disturbances in co-ordination, ringing in the ears, changes in heart beat, tow blood pressure, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, liver problems, skin rashes, increased sensitivity to light muscle weakness and twitching