dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and ps... Health Article

Generic name(s):

dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine

Brand name(s):

dexchlorpheniramine/methscopolamine/PSE, Durahist D

What is the most important information I should know about dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine?

Do not take dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine if you have taken selegiline (Eldepryl, Carbex) or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. Avoid drinking alcohol because it may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine. Do not use any other over-the-counter cold or allergy medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Antihistamines and decongestants are contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drugs. Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by dexchlorpheniramine or methscopolamine.

Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.

Do not take dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine for longer than 7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse and you also have a fever, talk to your doctor.

What is dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine?

Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It works in your body against a natural chemical called histamine. Dexchlorpheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

Methscopolamine decreases the amount of nasal and respiratory secretions (release of fluids) in the body that may cause sneezing, runny nose, and postnasal drip.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It works by shrinking blood vessels in the body, reducing blood flow and allowing nasal passages to open up.

Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis (swelling of the sinuses) associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

Dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine?

Do not take dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine if you have taken selegiline (Eldepryl, Carbex) or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder;

• peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome;

• thyroid problems;

• asthma, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

• diabetes;

• glaucoma;

• an ulcer or an obstruction in the stomach;

• hiatal hernia or reflux disease;

• bladder problems or difficulty urinating;

• an enlarged prostate;

• high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or any type of heart disease; or

• myasthenia gravis.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. This medication can pass into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and pseudoephedrine.