dexchlorpheniramine maleate (Dexchlorpheniramine Maleatesolution 
[Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals, Inc.]

Rx only

DESCRIPTION

Each 5 mL (teaspoonful) contains:

Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate, USP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 mg
Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . not more than 7.0%

Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate, USP, an antihistamine agent, is a white, odorless crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water. The molecular formula is C16H19ClN2•C4H4O4, designated chemically as (+)-2-[p-Chloro-α-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]benzyl]pyridine maleate (1:1).

Image from Drug Label Content

Inactive Ingredients: Citric Acid; Dehydrated Alcohol; FD&C Red No. 40; Glycerin; Liquid Sugar; Menthol; Methylparaben; Natural and Artificial Orange Juice Flavor; Propylene Glycol; Propylparaben and Purified Water. May also contain Sodium Citrate for pH adjustment. The pH range is between 5.0 and 6.5.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Dexchlorpheniramine maleate is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative side effects. Antihistamines appear to compete with histamine for cell receptor sites on effector cells.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis
Vasomotor rhinitis
Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema
Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
Dermographism

As therapy for anaphylactic reactions adjunctive to epinephrine and other standard measures after the acute manifestations have been controlled.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Use in Newborn or Premature Infants

This drug should not be used in newborn or premature infants.

Use in Nursing Mothers

Because of the higher risk of antihistamines for infants generally and for newborns and prematures in particular, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers.

Use in Lower Respiratory Disease

Antihistamines should NOT be used to treat lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma.

Antihistamines are also contraindicated in the following conditions:

  
Hypersensitivity to dexchlorpheniramine maleate or other antihistamines of similar chemical structure
  
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy (See Drug Interaction section)

WARNINGS

Antihistamines should be used with considerable caution in patients with:

  
Narrow angle glaucoma
  
Stenosing peptic ulcer
  
Pyloroduodenal obstruction
  
Symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy
  
Bladder neck obstruction

Use in Children

In infants and children, especially, antihistamines in overdosage may cause hallucinations, convulsions, or death.

As in adults, antihistamines may diminish mental alertness in children. In the young child, particularly, they may produce excitation.

Use in Pregnancy

Experience with this drug in pregnant women is inadequate to determine whether there exists a potential for harm to the developing fetus.

Use with CNS Depressants

Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate, USP has additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants (hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, etc.).

Use in Activities Requiring Mental Alertness

Patients should be warned about engaging in activities requiring mental alertness such as driving a car or operating appliances, machinery, etc.

Use in the Elderly (approximately 60 years or older)

Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sedation, and hypotension in elderly patients.

PRECAUTIONS

Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate, USP has an atropine-like action and, therefore, should be used with caution in patients with:

  
History of bronchial asthma
  
Increased intraocular pressure
  
Hyperthyroidism
  
Cardiovascular disease
  
Hypertension

Drug Interaction

MAO inhibitors prolong and intensify the anticholinergic (drying) effects of antihistamines.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

  1. General: Urticaria, drug rash, anaphylactic shock, photosensitivity, excessive perspiration, chills, dryness of mouth, nose and the throat.
  2. Cardiovascular System: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis.
  3. Hematologic System: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis.
  4. Nervous System: Sedation, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination, fatigue, confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, euphoria, paresthesias, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus, acute labyrinthitis, hysteria, neuritis, convulsions.
  5. G.I. System: Epigastric distress, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
  6. G.U. System: Urinary frequency, difficult urination, urinary retention, early menses.
  7. Respiratory System: Thickening of bronchial secretions, tightness of chest and wheezing, nasal stuffiness.

OVERDOSAGE

Antihistamine overdosage reactions may vary from central nervous system depression to stimulation. Stimulation is particularly likely in children. Atropine-like signs and symptoms—dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, and gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur.

If vomiting has not occurred spontaneously the patient should be induced to vomit. This is best done by having the patient drink a glass of water or milk after which the patient should be made to gag. Precautions against aspiration must be taken, especially in infants and children.

Saline cathartics, such as milk of magnesia, draw water into the bowel by osmosis and therefore, are valuable for their action in rapid dilution of bowel content.

Stimulants should not be used.

Vasopressors may be used to treat hypotension.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

DOSAGE SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT.

Recommended Dosage

Adults and Children 12 years of age and older: 2 mg (1 teaspoonful)
Children 6 to 11 years: 1 mg (1/2 teaspoonful)
Children 2 to 5 years: 0.5 mg (1/4 teaspoonful)

Doses are generally given every 4 to 6 hours.

HOW SUPPLIED

Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate Oral Solution, USP 2 mg/5 mL is supplied as a red-orange colored, orange flavored liquid in the following sizes:

4 fl oz (118 mL)
16 fl oz (473 mL)
128 fl oz (3785 mL)

RECOMMENDED STORAGE

Store at 20 °–25 °C (68 °–77 °F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP, with child-resistant closure.

Rx Only

Product No.: 8539

Manufactured By:
Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Morton Grove, IL 60053

A50-8539-16

REV. 07-05


Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate (Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate)
PRODUCT INFO
Product Code60432-539Dosage FormSOLUTION
Route Of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule
INGREDIENTS
Name (Active Moiety)TypeStrength
Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate (Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate) Active2 MILLIGRAM  In 5 MILLILITER
Citric AcidInactive 
Dehydrated AlcoholInactive 
FD&C Red No. 40Inactive 
GlycerinInactive 
Liquid SugarInactive 
MentholInactive 
MethylparabenInactive 
Natural and Artificial Orange Juice FlavorInactive 
Propylene GlycolInactive 
PropylparabenInactive 
WaterInactive 
Sodium CitrateInactive 
IMPRINT INFORMATION
CharacteristicAppearanceCharacteristicAppearance
ColorScore
ShapeSymbol
Imprint CodeCoating
Size
PACKAGING
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
160432-539-04118 MILLILITER In 1 BOTTLENone
260432-539-16473 MILLILITER In 1 BOTTLENone
360432-539-283785 MILLILITER In 1 BOTTLENone

Revised: 05/2006