C PHEN
You will know why it’s relegated to its shortened name of C Phen when I tell you what its full name is in medical circles–chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine! Aren’t you glad that it’s called C Phen?
Chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine is a common antihistamine, the kind that allergic people run to when they have seasonal allergies or even the various symptoms of a common cold. These include itchy watery eyes, stuffy or runny nose, and of course sneezing. It comes under a number of brand names such as West-Decon, Uni Decon, Sinucon, Prop-A-Hist, Nalspan, Nalphen, Nalgest, Naldelate, Naldecon, as well as Andecon Pediatric Drops.
It is highly important that you know that if you have used tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), rasagiline (Azilect), phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), or other MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days that you do not use C Phen. Various medical warnings have been issued regarding this. It is essential that MAO inhibitors clear from your body prior to taking chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine. Otherwise you may suffer dangerous side effects.
For your health, you should also know that if you are allergic to either chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine, or if you are unable to urinate, or have a stomach ulcer, narrow-angle glaucoma, coronary artery disease, or severe high blood pressure, you should not take C Phen. Also, if you are undergoing an asthma attack, do not take this product either!
There are some people who take C Phen, who find that their reactions or thinking may be impaired. Thus anything that requires you to be alert and awake should be performed with extreme caution if you are taking this medication. Various side effects of chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine may be medically increased if you drink alcohol with this medical product.
There are likely to be side effects from chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine if you are an older adult. You are further cautioned to get your doctor’s advice prior to giving this medication to a child.
Before you use this particular medication, be certain to alert your doctor if you have shown any allergies to any drugs, and also if you have urination problems or even an enlarged prostate, asthma, emphysema or any kind of chronic bronchitis, epilepsy or other seizure disorders, an overactive thyroid, high blood pressure or any kind of heart disease, circulation problems, glaucoma, diabetes, liver disease or kidney disease.
Be aware that unborn babies may be severely harmed by this product, thus it is imperative to state if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant during your treatment with this drug for your child’s health. You also need to state if you are nursing, as it is possible that the drug may pass into your breast milk, which could possibly result in harm to your baby.
Never take more than what has been prescribed for you, or stretch the time period of taking it longer than you’ve been advised by your doctor. Take it with a complete glass of water, and do not ever chew time-released capsules. If you’ve been given the chewable form be sure and chew thoroughly, and if liquid, be sure and measure very accurately with a dose-measuring cup or spoon.
Remain highly aware of the symptoms of overdose such as seizures (convulsions), flushed face, fever, tremors, a metallic taste, hallucinations (seeing things), anxiousness or irritability, dizziness, urinary problems, headache, imbalance or lack of coordination, stomach pain, diarrhea, fainting, vomiting and nausea. These are also some of the side effects of allergic reactions to the drug that may affect your health.
If you are taking medicines for anxiety, depression, seizures, muscle relaxers, pain medication, or seizure medications be aware that they will add to the sleepiness you will be feeling from the chlorpheniramine. On the other hand, phenylephrine is a stimulant, and thus it is not a good idea to add other stimulants such as over the counter cold medicines, diet pills, and caffeine, as extreme restlessness may result. Should you experience swelling in your throat, tongue, lips, or your face or experience any other allergic reaction signs such as difficulty breathing or hives, get immediate emergency help.
It is imperative that prior to taking this particular medication that your doctor also be aware if you are using mecamylamine (Inversine), reserpine, or methyldopa (Aldomet). Any beta-blocker, barbituate, or antidepressants also need to be discussed with your doctor. Discuss any drugs prescribed by other doctors, too. Also, be sure and discuss over the counter drugs you may be taking such as herbal products, minerals, and vitamins. Omit nothing for it may greatly influence your health.
Posted by Fei Lim
