Almus Chlorphenamine Oral Solution 150ml is a sugar-free antihistamine medicine containing chlorphenamine maleate 2mg in each 5ml of oral solution.

It is used for the symptomatic relief of allergic conditions that respond to antihistamines, including hay fever, allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, urticaria, angioneurotic oedema, food allergy, reactions to medicines or serum, and insect bites. It can also be used to relieve itching associated with chickenpox.

The liquid formulation allows the dose to be measured according to age and is suitable for adults and children aged 1 year and over. Children under 1 year should not be given this medicine.

Adults and children aged 12 years and over can take 10ml every 4 to 6 hours when required, up to a maximum of 60ml in 24 hours.

This is a pharmacy medicine. A pharmacist can provide advice about its appropriate use, particularly for children, older people, people with existing medical conditions or those taking other medicines.

Patient Information Leaflet

Main ingredients: Chlorphenamine maleate 2mg per 5ml. Excipients: Glycerol, maltitol liquid (E965), citric acid monohydrate, sodium methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E219), sodium propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E217), strawberry flavour containing propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, purified water.

Almus Chlorphenamine Oral Solution is used for the symptomatic relief of hay fever, allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, urticaria, angioneurotic oedema, food allergy, reactions to medicines or serum, insect bites, and itching associated with chickenpox.

Adults and children aged 12 years and over: Take 10ml (4mg) every 4 to 6 hours as required. Do not take more than 60ml (24mg) in 24 hours.

Children aged 6 to 12 years: Give 5ml (2mg) every 4 to 6 hours as required. Do not give more than 30ml (12mg) in 24 hours.

Children aged 2 to 6 years: Give 2.5ml (1mg) every 4 to 6 hours as required. Do not give more than 15ml (6mg) in 24 hours.

Children aged 1 to 2 years: Give 2.5ml (1mg) twice daily. Leave at least 4 hours between doses. Do not give more than 5ml (2mg) in 24 hours.

Children under 1 year: Not recommended.

Older people: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Older people are more likely to experience certain side effects, including confusion, and a lower daily dose may be appropriate.

• For oral use.
• Use the measuring spoon supplied.
• Do not exceed the stated dose or frequency of dosing.
• Leave the recommended interval between doses.

If you forget a dose: Take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If too much is taken: Contact a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital casualty department. Take the remaining medicine, container and label with you. Do not drive if you have taken too much.

Do not take Almus Chlorphenamine Oral Solution if you:

• Are allergic to chlorphenamine, other antihistamines or any of the ingredients in this medicine.
• Are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or have taken one within the previous 14 days.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have:

• Epilepsy.
• Raised pressure in the eye, including glaucoma.
• An enlarged prostate.
• Severe high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
• Bronchitis, bronchiectasis or asthma.
• Liver problems.
• Kidney problems.
• An obstruction between the stomach and small intestine.
• Thyrotoxicosis.

Children and older people may be more susceptible to neurological and anticholinergic side effects and may sometimes experience paradoxical excitation, such as increased energy, restlessness or nervousness.

Drowsiness and driving: Chlorphenamine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision and impaired coordination or concentration. Do not drive or operate machinery if affected.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine because chlorphenamine can increase its sedative effects.

Do not take this medicine with other products containing antihistamines, including antihistamine-containing cough and cold medicines.

Interactions: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you take other medicines, particularly sleeping medicines, medicines for anxiety, sedatives, opioid painkillers, antipsychotic medicines, tricyclic antidepressants, medicines with antimuscarinic effects, MAOIs or phenytoin.

Pregnancy: Chlorphenamine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by a doctor. Use during the third trimester may cause reactions in newborn or premature babies.

Breastfeeding: Chlorphenamine may pass into breast milk and may reduce milk production. It should not be used while breastfeeding unless considered essential by a doctor.

This medicine contains maltitol liquid (E965). Do not take it if you have a rare hereditary problem of fructose intolerance.

It also contains sodium methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E219) and sodium propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E217), which may cause allergic reactions, including delayed reactions.

Stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice if you develop a severe allergic reaction, signs of liver problems, anaemia, or unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Overdose: If more than the recommended amount is taken, contact a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital casualty department. Take the medicine, container and label with you.