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What Is Chlorpheniramine?

Chlorpheniramine maleate is a first-generation antihistamine used for temporary relief of allergy symptoms. A common over-the-counter tablet contains 4 mg. It relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat from hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.

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What Is Chlorpheniramine?

Chlorpheniramine maleate is a first-generation antihistamine used for temporary relief of allergy symptoms. A common over-the-counter tablet contains 4 mg. It relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat from hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.

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How Does Chlorpheniramine Block Histamine?

Chlorpheniramine acts as a histamine H1 receptor antagonist. It competes with histamine at H1 receptor sites and reduces histamine-mediated symptoms in the nose, eyes, skin, and other tissues. As a first-generation antihistamine, it also enters the central nervous system and can cause drowsiness.

Which Symptoms Does Chlorpheniramine Relieve?

Chlorpheniramine temporarily relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. The single-ingredient 4 mg tablet is not used to make a child sleepy.

How Are Chlorpheniramine Tablets Taken?

Adults and children age 12 and older take one 4 mg tablet every four to six hours and should not exceed six tablets in 24 hours. Children age 6 to under 12 take half a tablet every four to six hours and should not exceed three whole tablets in 24 hours. Children under 6 should not use the tablet.

What Safety Problems Need Attention With Chlorpheniramine?

Chlorpheniramine can cause drowsiness and reduced alertness. Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers increase this effect. Medical advice is advised before use in people with glaucoma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate. Excitability can occur, especially in children.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chlorpheniramine

Is chlorpheniramine a first-generation antihistamine?

Yes. Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation histamine H1 receptor antagonist.

How often can adults take chlorpheniramine 4 mg?

Adults and children age 12 and older take one tablet every four to six hours, with a six-tablet daily limit.

Can chlorpheniramine cause drowsiness?

Yes. Drowsiness can occur, and alcohol or other sedating medicines can increase it.

Can chlorpheniramine be used to make a child sleep?

No. Current over-the-counter labeling states that it should not be used to make a child sleepy.

References

Antihistamines. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538188/. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

Chlorpheniramine. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682543.html. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

Chlorpheniramine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2725. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

DailyMed - ALLERGY (chlorpheniramine maleate) tablet. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=0aa4ac07-bd02-46b2-9cf0-0643e0e1a2da. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

DailyMed - ALLERGY (chlorpheniramine maleate) tablet. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c948e612-a491-4ad0-adb9-cf31ef76e4d8. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.