Chlorphenamine Maleate

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Joseph Blais, Pharmacist

Last updated on 19/03/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Chlorphenamine Maleate

CHINESE NAME: 馬來酸氯苯那敏

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Chlorpheniramine/Chlormine, Horamine, Piriton

DRUG CLASS: Antihistamine (first generation)

USED FOR: Allergic rhinitis, common cold, allergies

OTHER DRUGS IN THE SAME CLASS: Brompheniramine, Cyproheptadine, Diphenhydramine, Dexchlorpheniramine, Hydroxyzine, Promethazine, Pheniramine, Triprolidine

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 2mg/5ml, 4mg/5ml, 5mg/10ml, 10mg/5ml (syrups)
– 2mg, 4mg (tablets)

What is Chlorphenamine Maleate for?

Chlorphenamine Maleate is a sedating (first generation) antihistamine that can relieve allergic symptoms from hay fever, hives, food allergy, drug reactions, and itchiness associated with chickenpox. It can also be used in combination with other medications like Paracetamol to treat the common cold.

How to use it?

Chlorphenamine Maleate can be taken by mouth and the dosages for different age groups are listed below.

Adult / Child 12-17 years
4 mg every 4-6 hours, up to a maximum of 24 mg daily

Elderly
4 mg every 4-6 hours, up to a maximum of 12 mg daily

Child 1-23 months
1 mg twice daily

Child 2-5 years
1 mg every 4-6 hours, up to a maximum of 6 mg daily

Child 6-11 years
2 mg every 4-6 hours, up to a maximum of 12 mg daily

What are the side effects of Chlorphenamine Maleate

Common side effects of Chlorphenamine Maleate include drowsiness and dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, nausea, blurred vision, impaired concentration, and abnormal coordination.

Who should not take Chlorphenamine Maleate?

Anyone who is hypersensitive to Chlorphenamine / Chlorpheniramine / Dexchlorpheniramine.

Pharmacist Tips:

– Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond to Chlorphenamine Maleate.
– Elderly patients (>65 years old) may be more sensitive to the side effects of Chlorpheniramine.

Common dosing schedule:
Chlorphenamine can be taken with or without food.

Take Chlorphenamine Maleate at night if you become drowsy after taking the medication. (Daytime sedation can be relieved by taking non-drowsy antihistamines as alternatives.)

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Chlorphenamine may interact with:
Chlorphenamine may interact with a number of other medications, especially other sedating medications.

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Chlorphenamine Maleate in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Chlorphenamine Maleate is an over-the-counter medicine which can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Chlorphenamine Maleate in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.