What is Chlorphenamine & what is it used for?
Chlorphenamine tablets or oral solution contain a type of antihistamine medication known as chlorphenamine maleate. Chlorphenamine is known as a sedating antihistamine, which works by preventing the actions of histamine within your body. Chlorphenamine can be used to treat the symptoms associated with allergic conditions such as:
- Hay fever
- Nettle rash (urticarial)
- Food allergies
- Allergic reactions to insect bites
- Allergic reactions to some medications
- Reduce itching caused by chickenpox
Chlorphenamine is available to buy online as either 4mg tablets or as a 2mg/5ml oral solution. Each box of Chlorphenamine tablets contains 28 tablets and can be taken by adults and children over the age of 6 years. Chlorphenamine oral solution is available in a 150ml bottle and can be given to children over the age of 1 year.
How does Chlorphenamine work?
Chlorphenamine is an antihistamine that works to reduce allergic reactions and itching by blocking the chemical histamine from acting within the body. Histamine is a chemical that is produced within the body and acts as a natural defence mechanism against foreign invaders. When foreign substances such as allergens like pollen are detected, the cells become stimulated and release their histamine. When it is blocked by Chlorphenamine this prevents and reduces symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, itching, running nose and redness, from presenting themselves.
Chlorphenamine is called a sedating antihistamine because unlike antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine, it is able to cross into the brain which causes some people to feel increasingly sleepy and drowsy.
Alternatives to Chlorphenamine
Chlorphenamine can be used alone or in conjunction with eye drops (Opticrom) or nasal sprays (Pirinase, Benacort, Beclometasone) used to treat localised allergy symptoms. Painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can also be used in conjunction with Chlorphenamine if you are also experiencing pain or inflammation.
Other nasal sprays, available from The Independent Pharmacy that are used to treat allergies and hayfever include:
Non-prescription alternative oral antihistamines include; Cetirizine (non-drowsy), Loratadine (non-drowsy) and Piriton (sedating).
Sources
Chlorphenamine Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
Chlorphenamine Oral Solution, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...