Carbinoxamine and Pseudoephedrine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• Carbinoxamine relieves symptoms (runny nose; sneezing; throat irritation and itching; watery, irritated, itchy, red eyes) from allergies.
• Pseudoephedrine is used to treat long-term nasal congestion and headaches.

How does it work?

• Carbinoxamine, if taken before coming in contact with the material that causes the allergy, blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing/preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
• Pseudoephedrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages. Sinus drainage is increased by this.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• Take last dose at least a few hours before bed. Medicine may cause inability to sleep.
• Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• A liquid (syrup, drops) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• This medicine may also be taken on an as needed basis depending on relief of symptoms, duration of cold, or allergy.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification for allergies.
• Increased activity or inability to sleep may be seen in children.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake.
• Pseudoephedrine can cause insomnia.
• Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Inability to sleep, nervousness and excitability, and restlessness.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the same?

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Chest pain, fast heartbeats, passing out, fainting, or severe headache.
• Severe headaches.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved