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Brand name:

Deconamine

Pronounced: dee-CON-uh-meen
Generic ingredients: Chlorpheniramine maleate, d-Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

Why is this drug prescribed?

Deconamine is an antihistamine and decongestant used for the temporary relief of persistent runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion caused by upper respiratory infections (the common cold), sinus inflammation, or hay fever. It is also used to help clear nasal passages and shrink swollen membranes and to drain the sinuses and relieve sinus pressure.

Most important fact about this drug

Deconamine may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. You should not drive or operate machinery or participate in any activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how you react to Deconamine.

How should you take this medication?

If Deconamine makes you nervous or restless, or you have trouble sleeping, take the last dose of the day a few hours before you go to bed. Take Deconamine exactly as prescribed.

Antihistamines can make your mouth and throat dry. It may help to suck on hard candy, chew gum, or melt bits of ice in your mouth.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Deconamine.

The most common side effect is mild to moderate drowsiness.

• Less common or rare side effects may include:
  Anaphylactic shock (extreme allergic reaction), anemia, anxiety, blurred vision, breathing difficulty, chills, confusion, constipation, convulsion, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, difficulty in carrying out movements, disturbed coordination, dizziness, double vision, dry mouth, nose, and throat, early menstruation, exaggerated sense of well being, excessive perspiration, excitation, fatigue, extreme calm (sedation), fear, frequent or difficult urination, hallucinations, headache, hives, hysteria, increased chest congestion, irregular heartbeat, irritability, light-headedness, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, nausea, nervousness, painful urination, pallor, pounding heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, ringing in ears, sensitivity to light, skin rash, stomach upset or pain, stuffy nose, tenseness, tightness of chest, tingling or numbness, tremor, unusual bleeding or bruising, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, wheezing

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

Do not use Deconamine if you have severe high blood pressure or severe heart disease, are taking an antidepressant drug known as an MAO inhibitor (Nardil, Parnate, others), or are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to antihistamines or decongestants.

Special warnings about this medication

Use Deconamine with extreme caution if you have the eye condition called glaucoma, peptic ulcer or stomach obstructions, an enlarged prostate, or difficulty urinating.

Also use caution if you have bronchial asthma, emphysema, chronic lung disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid.

Deconamine may cause excitability, especially in children.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Alcohol increases the sedative effect of Deconamine. Avoid it while taking this medication.

If Deconamine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Deconamine with the following:

Antidepressant drugs such as the MAO inhibitors Nardil and Parnate
Asthma medications such as Ventolin and Proventil
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
Mecamylamine (Inversine)
Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Narcotic pain killers such as Demerol and Percocet
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Reserpine (Ser-Ap-Es, others)
Sleep aids such as Halcion and Seconal
Tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Deconamine during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Deconamine appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Deconamine is finished.

Recommended dosage

DECONAMINE TABLETS

Adults and Children over 12 Years

Children under 12 Years

Use Deconamine Syrup or Chewable Tablets instead of the tablets.

DECONAMINE SYRUP

Adults and Children over 12 Years

Children 6 to 12 Years

Children 2 to 6 Years

Children under 2 Years

Use as directed by your doctor.

DECONAMINE SR CAPSULES

Adults and Children over 12 Years

Children under 12 Years

Use Deconamine Syrup or Chewable Tablets instead of the capsules.

DECONAMINE CHEWABLE TABLETS

Adults

Children 6 to 12 Years

Children 2 to 6 Years

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Deconamine overdose include:
  Convulsions, diminished alertness, hallucinations, severe drowsiness, severe dryness of mouth, nose, and throat, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, sleep problems, slow or rapid heartbeat, tremors