Carbinoxamine/phenylephrine (By mouth)

Introduction:

Carbinoxamine, Phenylephrine (fen-il-EF-rin)

Treats cough, sneezing, runny nose, and stuffy nose caused by allergy, colds, or flu.

Brand Name(s):

Xirahist Pediatric Drops, Aridex-D

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

Your child should not receive this medicine if he or she has had an allergic reaction to carbinoxamine or phenylephrine, or if your child has high blood pressure or heart disease. Your child should not be given this medicine if he or she is receiving a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

  • Your child's doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to give and how often. Do not give more medicine or give it more often than your child's doctor tells you to.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

  • If your child misses a dose or if you forget to give your child the medicine, give it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your child's next dose, wait until then to give the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not give extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your child's medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Tell your doctor if your child is receiving any medicines that make him or her sleepy. These may include other cold and allergy medicines, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if your child is receiving medicines to lower blood pressure (such as atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), Accupril®, Cozaar®, Norvasc®, Toprol®, Zestril®).
  • Do not give your child any alcohol-containing medicines while he or she is using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if your child has high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or thyroid problems.
  • If your child's symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your child's doctor.
  • This medicine may make your child dizzy or drowsy. Avoid letting your child do anything that could be dangerous if he or she is not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Change in how much or how often your child urinates, or pain on urination.
  • Dizziness, fainting, or unusual sleepiness or drowsiness.
  • Irregular, slow, fast, or pounding heartbeat.
  • Pale skin or weakness.
  • Seeing or hearing things which are not really there.
  • Tremors or seizures.
  • Trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Changes in vision.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Headache.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach.
  • Trouble sleeping, restlessness, or nervousness.
  • Unusual irritability, hyperactivity, or clumsiness.
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