Chlorphenamine is a type of antihistamine and belongs to the subclass of antihistamines known as "sedative antihistamines" as it commonly causes tiredness.

It is used for the relief of allergic symptoms such as hay fever, urticaria (skin rash), food and drug allergy and itchiness (for example the itch you get with chicken pox)

Some people can produce an excessive amount of histamine, which is a chemical in the body, in response to triggers such as pollen, pet fur, nuts, shellfish or insect bites. When histamine is produced to excess, we experience allergic symptoms such as swelling, skin rashes, watery eyes, sneezing, congested nose or runny nose.

The recommended dose of Chlorphenamine in a healthy adult is 4 mg every 4-6 hours, maximum 6 doses in 24 hours. Children can take this medication too at a reduced dose.

The most common side effects of this medication is blurred vision, dry mouth, tummy upset, headaches, difficulty passing urine and feeling drowsy or sleepy.

It is important to avoid alcohol with this type of medication as it can cause excessive drowsiness.

For similar reasons other sedative medications such as hypnotics or anxiolytics (eg Diazepam) should be avoided.

Best to avoid taking with alcohol due to sedative effects in combination

It is best to avoid taking this medication when pregnant.

Manufacturers suggest avoiding Chlorphenamine as it will be present in breast milk in varying amounts, but it is not known to be harmful.