Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine indicated for the treatment of allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, hives, insect bites, allergic eczema or atopic dermatitis, for example.
This medicine works by blocking the effects of histamine in the body, a substance responsible for allergy symptoms, such as itchy skin, nose or eyes, redness of the skin, swelling in the mouth or sneezing. Know how to identify allergy symptoms.
Dexchlorpheniramine can be found in the form of tablets, pills, syrup, drops or ointment, under the names Polaramine, Histamin, Polaryn or Alergomine, or in generic form as “dexchlorpheniramine maleate”, and must be used under medical advice.
What is it for
Dexchlorpheniramine is indicated for:
- Allergies;
- Allergic rhinitis;
- Atopic dermatitis;
- Urticaria;
- Pruritus;
- Bug bite;
- Allergic eczema.
Furthermore, dexchlorpheniramine + betamethasone may be indicated for bronchial asthma or eye allergies, for example, found under the names Celestamine, Celerg or Koide D. Find out how to use Koide D.
It is important that dexchlorpheniramine is used with the advice of a general practitioner, allergist or dermatologist, according to the cause you wish to treat.
Make an appointment with an allergist in the nearest region:
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Is dexchlorpheniramine good for coughs?
Dexchlorpheniramine may be indicated for dry coughs caused by allergic rhinitis.
Additionally, this remedy helps relieve other symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as itchy nose, sneezing or stuffy nose. See other symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Is dexchlorpheniramine a corticosteroid?
Dexchlorpheniramine is not a corticosteroid and does not contain any corticosteroids in its composition.
This medicine is an antiallergic that reduces the action of histamine in the body, a substance responsible for the symptoms of allergic rhinitis or urticaria.
How to use
How dexchlorpheniramine is used varies depending on the presentation, which includes:
1. Dexclorfeniramina gotas 2,8 mg/mL
Dexchlorpheniramine solution in drops of 2.8 mg/mL can be used by adults or children over 2 years of age, and the recommended doses are:
- Adults and children over 12 years old: 20 drops, 3 to 4 times a day. Do not exceed the maximum dose of 12 mg/day, which corresponds to 120 drops/day;
- Children aged 6 to 12: 10 drops or 1 drop for every 2 kg of body weight, up to 3 times a day. Do not exceed the maximum dose of 6 mg daily, which corresponds to 60 drops/day;
- Children aged 2 to 6 years: 5 drops or 1 drop for every 2 kg of body weight, up to 3 times a day. Do not exceed the maximum dose of 3 mg daily, which corresponds to 30 drops/day.
Doses of dexchlorpheniramine for children must be calculated by the pediatrician, according to the condition being treated and the severity of the symptoms.
2. Dexchlorpheniramine syrup 2 mg/5mL
Dexchlorpheniramine syrup 2 mg/5mL (0.4mg/mL) can be used by children from 2 years of age or adults.
The normally recommended dosage is:
- Adults and children over 12 years old: 5 mL of syrup, 3 to 4 times a day, not exceeding the maximum dose of 30 mL per day;
- Children aged 6 to 12: 2.5 mL of syrup, up to 3 times a day, not exceeding the maximum recommended dose of 15 mL per day;
- Children aged 2 to 6 years: 1.25 mL of syrup, up to 3 times a day, not exceeding the maximum recommended dose of 7.5 mL per day.
The dose of dexchlorpheniramine must be measured using the measuring cup provided in the packaging, and taken according to the doctor’s instructions, who must guide the treatment time.
3. Dexchlorpheniramine tablets 2 mg
Dexchlorpheniramine 2 mg tablets should only be used by adults or children over 6 years of age.
The normally recommended doses are:
- Adults and children over 12 years old: 1 tablet of 2 mg, 3 to 4 times a day. The maximum daily dose is 6 tablets per day;
- Children aged 6 to 12: ½ (half) tablet, up to 3 times a day. The maximum daily dose is 3 tablets per day.
The tablet should be taken orally, with a glass of water, before or after food.
4. Dexchlorpheniramine tablets 6 mg
Dexchlorpheniramine 6 mg tablets are only indicated for adults or children over 12 years of age.
The normally recommended dose is 1 tablet in the morning and another at bedtime. In some cases, the doctor may recommend taking 1 tablet every 8 hours.
Dexchlorpheniramine tablets should be ingested whole, without breaking, without chewing and with a full glass of water, because they contain a coating so that the medicine is released slowly into the body and has a longer duration of action.
5. Dexchlorpheniramine ointment 10 mg/g
Dexchlorpheniramine ointment 10 mg/g can be used by adults or children from 2 years of age, applying a thin layer of the ointment to the skin, in the area to be treated, twice a day, avoiding covering the area.
This ointment should not be applied to the eyes, mouth, nose, genitals or other mucous membranes and should not be used on large areas of skin, especially on children.
Furthermore, dexchlorpheniramine ointment should not be applied to areas of the skin that are blistered, bruised or oozing, or around the eyes.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of dexchlorpheniramine are drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth or difficulty urinating.
Furthermore, dexchlorpheniramine can cause allergic reactions, with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face. In these cases, you should stop using it and go to the nearest emergency room. Know how to identify all the symptoms of anaphylaxis.
In the case of dexchlorpheniramine ointment, the most common side effects are skin irritation or increased sensitivity to the sun, especially with prolonged use or on large areas of the skin.
Is dexchlorpheniramine safe?
Dexchlorpheniramine causes light to moderate sleep, which is one of the common side effects of this medicine, especially at the beginning of treatment.
Therefore, people taking this medicine should avoid driving vehicles or operating machines. Discover other antihistamines that don’t make you sleepy.
Who shouldn’t use
Dexchlorpheniramine should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women or people who are allergic to this active substance or any other component present in the formula.
Additionally, dexchlorpheniramine syrup, drops or ointment should not be used by children under 2 years of age. Tablets should not be used by children under 6 years of age and pills by children under 12 years of age.
Dexchlorpheniramine should also not be used by people who use monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medications, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine or tranylcypromine, for example.
