chlorpheniramine
Chlorpheniramine is used to treat allergy symptoms: sneezing runny nose itchy nose or throat red, itchy, watery eyes Chlorpheniramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking chlorpheniramine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether chlorpheniramine can make it harder to become pregnant. If you have concerns about fertility while using this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking chlorpheniramine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. The fact sheet notes that studies on antihistamines, including chlorpheniramine, have not suggested an increased chance of miscarriage. Any individual questions about your pregnancy should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking chlorpheniramine increase the risk of birth defects?
The baseline chance for a birth defect in any pregnancy is about 3 out of 100. Most studies have not found an overall increased chance of birth defects with chlorpheniramine use in pregnancy; two studies reported a small increase for different types of defects, but no specific pattern has been identified. Decisions about use in pregnancy should be made together with your healthcare provider.
Can taking chlorpheniramine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The fact sheet states that chlorpheniramine is not expected to increase the chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. As always, your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits of treating your symptoms against any potential concerns.
Can taking chlorpheniramine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
According to the fact sheet, studies have not been done to evaluate whether chlorpheniramine use in pregnancy can affect a child's future behavior or learning. Questions about long-term effects on a child should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking chlorpheniramine?
Information on the use of chlorpheniramine while breastfeeding is limited. The fact sheet notes that no side effects were reported in 5 nursing infants exposed to chlorpheniramine, but because the medication can cause sleepiness in adults, it might cause the same effect in nursing infants; symptoms such as drowsiness or irritability should be reported to the child's healthcare provider. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual breastfeeding situation.
Source: National Library of Medicine
chlorpheniramine