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What is Triaminic
 Chlorpheniramine
is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally
occurring chemical histamine in the body. Chlorpheniramine
prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other
symptoms of allergies and hay fever.
Phenylpropanolamine
is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins
and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas
and allows nasal passages to open up.
Triaminic
is used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis (inflammation
of the sinuses) associated with allergies, hay fever, and
the common cold.
Phenylpropanolamine,
an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an
increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain
or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also
be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low,
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that
consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Triaminic
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Triaminic
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product,
has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic
stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding
the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the
risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any
products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Use caution
when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Triaminic may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness while taking Triaminic.
Do not take
more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms
do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.
Who should not take Triaminic
Do not take Triaminic if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the
last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur,
leading to serious side effects.
Before taking this
medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney
disease,
- liver disease,
- diabetes,
-
glaucoma,
- any type of heart disease or high blood
pressure,
- thyroid disease,
- emphysema or
chronic bronchitis, or
- difficulty urinating or
an enlarged prostate.
You may not be able to take
Triaminic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Triaminic is in the FDA pregnancy category
B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant.
This medication passes
into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take
this medication without first talking to your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 65
years of age, you may be more likely to experience side
effects from Triaminic. You may require a lower dose of
this medication.
Read the package label for directions
or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child
with this medication. Children are more susceptible than
adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual
reactions.
How should take Triaminic Take Triaminic exactly as directed. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse,
or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose
with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or
break the long-acting or sustained-release forms of this
medication. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure of the
formulation of your medicine, ask your pharmacist for help.
If you cannot swallow the tablets or capsules, look
for a liquid form of the medication.
To ensure that
you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of chlorpheniramine
and phenylpropanolamine with a special dose-measuring spoon
or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have
a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Do not take more of this medication than
is recommended. An overdose of this medication can cause
serious harm.
Do not take Triaminic for longer than
7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they
get worse, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.
Store Triaminic at room temperature away from moisture
and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Triaminic overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils,
flushing, nausea, and vomiting.
Avoid while taking Triaminic Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Triaminic may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously.
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
Triaminic.
Triaminic may increase the effects of
other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants,
alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines,
seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation,
dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if Triaminic is taken
with any of these medications.
Possible side effects of Triaminic Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop
taking Triaminic and seek emergency medical attention if
you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Triaminic
and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication
if you experience
- dryness of the eyes, nose, and
mouth;
- drowsiness or dizziness;
- blurred
vision;
- difficulty urinating; or
- excitation
in children.
Side effects other than those listed
here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Triaminic Do not take Triaminic if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the
last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur,
leading to serious side effects.
Do not take other
over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids
while taking Triaminic without first talking to your doctor
or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain chlorpheniramine,
phenylpropanolamine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally
take too much of these medicines.
Triaminic may increase
the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers,
anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if
Triaminic is taken with any of these medications.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Triaminic.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
