DexPhen M Side Effects

Generic name: dexchlorpheniramine / methscopolamine / phenylephrine

Note: This document contains side effect information about dexchlorpheniramine / methscopolamine / phenylephrine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name DexPhen M.

Applies to dexchlorpheniramine / methscopolamine / phenylephrine: oral syrup.

Do not take this medication if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take a cold or allergy medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, or phenylephrine, or if you have glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or a thyroid disorder.

Before you take dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and phenylephrine, tell your doctor if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines, kidney disease, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, problems with urination, or if you are over 40 years old.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Do not use any other over-the-counter cold or allergy medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains dexchlorpheniramine or phenylephrine.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking dexchlorpheniramine / methscopolamine / phenylephrine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

slow heart rate;
fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness;
painful or difficult urination;
urinating less than usual or not at all; or
increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).