DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Chlorpheniramine/Phenylephrine Elixir, Liquid, Solution, and Syrup (klor-fen-IR-a-meen/fen-il-EF-rin)
Brand Name: Examples include Novahistine and Rondec

Novahistine Elixir is used for:

Relieving symptoms of sinus congestion, sinus pressure, runny nose, and sneezing due to colds, upper respiratory infections, and allergies. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Novahistine Elixir is an antihistamine and decongestant combination. The antihistamine works by blocking the action of histamine, which helps reduce symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing. The decongestant promotes sinus and nasal drainage, relieving congestion and pressure.

Do NOT use Novahistine Elixir if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Novahistine Elixir
• you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, rapid heartbeat, or severe heart problems
• you take sodium oxybate (GHB) or you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Novahistine Elixir:

Some medical conditions may interact with Novahistine Elixir. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• if you have a history of asthma; lung problems (eg, emphysema); adrenal gland problems (eg, adrenal gland tumor); heart problems; high blood pressure; diabetes; heart blood vessel problems; stroke; glaucoma; a blockage of your stomach, intestines, or bladder; ulcers; trouble urinating; an enlarged prostate; seizures; or an overactive thyroid

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Novahistine Elixir. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Digoxin or droxidopa because the risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack may be increased
• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, tolcapone), furazolidone, indomethacin, MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), sodium oxybate ( GHB), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may increase Novahistine Elixir's risk of side effects
• Bromocriptine or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because their risk of side effects may be increased by Novahistine Elixir
• Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Novahistine Elixir

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Novahistine Elixir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Novahistine Elixir:

Use Novahistine Elixir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Novahistine Elixir may be taken with or without food.
• Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• If you miss a dose of Novahistine Elixir, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Novahistine Elixir.

Important safety information:

• Novahistine Elixir may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Novahistine Elixir with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not take diet or appetite control medicines while you are taking Novahistine Elixir without checking with you doctor.
• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• If your symptoms do not get better within 5 to 7 days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
• Novahistine Elixir may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Novahistine Elixir. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Novahistine Elixir may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Novahistine Elixir for a few days before the tests.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Novahistine Elixir before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Use Novahistine Elixir with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Caution is advised when using Novahistine Elixir in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Novahistine Elixir while you are pregnant. It is not known if Novahistine Elixir is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Novahistine Elixir, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Novahistine Elixir:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; tremor; vision changes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; confusion; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; vomiting.

Proper storage of Novahistine Elixir:

Store Novahistine Elixir at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Novahistine Elixir out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Novahistine Elixir, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Novahistine Elixir is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Novahistine Elixir. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.