Chlorpheniramine (Rx) ^Rx

Client Information Sheet

for

Chlorpheniramine maleate (Rx and OTC)

General Description: Chlorpheniramine maleate is an affordable antihistamine that has been prescribed to your pet to treat an allergic reaction, to prevent motion sickness or as a tranquilizer. There are several other uses for this medication. Look for signs of relief within an hour. It is generally well-tolerated, but you can expect to see drowsiness. Available in 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, 12 mg tablets, long-acting capsules and tablets, as well as oral syrup, injectable and as a transdermal gel.

What is this drug?

• An antihistamine

• Given by mouth

Reasons for prescribing:

• Used for acute inflammatory and allergic conditions such as: snake bites, vaccination reactions, blood transfusion reactions, bee strings and insect bites, and the management of itchy skin

• Used in the treatment of mast cell tumors

• Useful in the treatment of motion sickness

• Sometimes used to manage feline asthma

• Used in the treatment of miliary dermatitis in cats

• Causes drowsiness, so may be used as a mild tranquilizer

• Readily available and inexpensive

What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

• Safety in pregnant or nursing pets is unknown

• Use with caution in pets with heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, asthma, urinary obstruction, prostate disease or those with an obstruction of the pylorus

• If your pet has had an allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine maleate or like products

Directions:

Read and follow the label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. It is usually given two or three times a day. Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.

May be given with food.

Your cat may dislike the taste of this medication. A transdermal gel can be a good substitute to oral medication in some cats.

If sustained release capsules are used, contents can be sprinkled on food but should not be allowed to dissolve before ingestion.

What if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When will your pet need to be rechecked

• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug

• What are the risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products

• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever

• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.

• If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Storage and Warnings:

Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom as it is sensitive to moisture. Do not freeze.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Potential side effects:

• Causes drowsiness. This effect lessens over time. Do not use in working dogs as it may cause too much sedation.

• Can cause dry mouth, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and inability to urinate

• Cats may experience hyperexcitability or agitation

• Chlorpheniramine maleate tastes bitter. Cats may tolerate this medication for a while and then show salivation and ultimately refuse medication. A different medication may be necessary at this point.

• This medication interferes with allergic skin testing. Check with your veterinary dermatologist when to discontinue chlorpheniramine maleate in advance of allergy testing.

• If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian

Can this drug be given with other drugs?

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur with MAOIs, metoclopramide, oral anticoagulants (ex. heparin, warfarin), phenytoin, tranquillizers, vitamins and supplement

• Human products containing antihistamines are often combined with pain relievers. These combination products should not be used in animals.

• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, chlorpheniramine maleate should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

This is just a summary of information about chlorpheniramine maleate. If you have any questions or concerns about chlorpheniramine maleate or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.