DRUG INDEX
GENERIC NAME: chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine BRAND NAMES: Deconamine and others...(Sudafed and others are pseudoephedrine alone)
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Deconamine is a brand name medication that contains 2 different drugs, an antihistamine (chlorpheniramine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). The antihistamine effects of chlorpheniramine account for its affect in reducing allergy symptoms. The decongestant action of pseudoephedrine is a result of blood vessel constriction in the nasal air passages, such as in the nose or sinuses.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: tablets of 4 mg chlorpheniramine/60 mg pseudoephedrine; chew tabs of 1 mg c/15 mg p; syrup of 2 mg c/30 mg p.
STORAGE: Room temperature in a tight container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Deconamine is used for the temporary relief of runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion from the common cold . Deconamine is also used for inflamed nasal passages ( sinusitis ), hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and sinus congestion.
DOSING: Deconamine may be taken with or without food. It must be used cautiously in patients with heart (coronary artery) disease and angina , diabetes, lung diseases, especially asthma , glaucoma , narrowing of the stomach exit (pyloric stenosis).
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Deconamine can cause drowsiness and impaired ability to operate machinery. Deconamine contains pseudoephedrine which should not be taken with MAO inhibitors drugs. Caution must be exercised in the administration of this drug to patients with heart or lung disease. Deconamine should not be combined with other drugs containing pseudoephedrine (such as Sudafed) because of increased risk of side effects on the heart and blood vessels.
While misuse of Deconamine for the purpose of getting "high" is unfamiliar to the editors, it is a specific warning from the manufacturer that patients be aware of possible "additive" effects of Deconamine when taken with alcohol and other central nervous depressants (such as sedatives and tranquilizers). This means that when Deconamine is taken with, for example, alcohol, the effect of the alcohol could be magnified. Conversely, alcohol increases the sedating qualities of Deconamine.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of antihistamines include drowsiness, impaired ability to accurately operate machinery, worsening of glaucoma or asthma or chronic lung diseases, rash, hives , perspiration, chills dry mouth or throat, low blood counts, restlessness, ringing in the ears, stomach upset, urinary frequency or difficulty.
Side effects of pseudoephedrine include stimulation of the nervous system leading to nervousness, restlessness, excitability, dizziness , headache, fear, anxiety, tremor , and even hallucinations and convulsions (seizures).
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
