Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine meant to be used for the temporary relief of allergy symptoms in pets.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
•
Begins to work within 1 hour
How it works: This medication works to remedy contact, inhaled, or drug-induced allergies in dogs and cats by blocking the effects of histamine in the body.
Cautions: While in 4mg strength it’s over-the-counter, there are possible negative interactions with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian. Side effects may include drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, dry mouth, and urinary retention. Do not store in the bathroom, as it’s sensitive to moisture.
More Information:
Brand Name Chlor-Trimeton (Schering-Plough)
Generic Name Chlorpheniramine
Manufacturer: Various
What is this medication used for: Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine used in the treatment of contact, inhaled or drug-induced allergies in dogs and cats. It is also used to treat miliary dermatitis in cats.
Availability: Chlorpheniramine is available as tablets; long-acting capsules and tablets; and syrup
How this medicine should be used: Chlorpheniramine is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice to use this medication in dogs and cats. The usual dose for dogs is 2-8mg every 8-12 hours. For cats the usual dose is 1-2mg every 8-12 hours. Do not open or crush the long-acting capsules.
What are the side effects: Side effects may include drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Dry mouth and urinary retention can also occur.
What special precautions are there: This medication should not be used in animals allergic to chlorpheniramine or similar antihistamines. Do not use chlorpheniramine when it is in combination with other medications such as acetaminophen or caffeine such as found in various cold and sinus products. Do not use in pregnant or lactating animals. Do not use in patients with glaucoma, prostate disease or urinary obstruction, stomach or intestinal obstruction, high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism. Use caution when given with phenothiazines such as acepromazine and other central nervous system (CNS) depressant medications. Chlorpheniramine should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as selegiline and Preventic tick collar. Use caution when given with metoclopramide. Always tell your veterinarian and pharmacist what other medications your pet is taking.
In the event of an overdose: Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms of overdose may include excitement or seizure, drowsiness, coma, respiratory depression and death.
How should I store this medication: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Directions:
•
Chlorpheniramine 4mg tablets are an over-the-counter (OTC) product.
•
Chlorpheniramine 4mg tablets are an antihistamine used to treat allergies.
Tip: Chlorpheniramine can interact with other medications. Check with your pharmacist or veterinarian before giving this medication to pets taking other medications.
My 7 year old cat named Tom developed a skin irratation that his vet called"feline miliary dermatitus". It is an allergic reaction to ????. After taking Tom for 2 visits and a steroid shot and an anti-biotic and a $175 bill with not much change (and he actually was getting worse,) in his condition I decided to research on my own.(seeing as my vet wanted to start complete blood work with no guarantees and lots of $$$) After hours of internet search I decided on purchasing from 1-800-petmeds a medicated shampoo(KetoChlor by Virbac) an antimicrobial cream for the hot spots(Aardora -all natural cream) and Chlorpheniramine allergy tabs, givin 2x per day.Three weeks have passed and he has been given 3 baths/week ,2 pills /day and the cream after each bath on the bad spots. I actually thought at one point he was going to cat heaven, but Tom is doing very well and he is almost completely clear. I am not sure if it is the combination of products or just the allergy meds. Tom is a happy guy!
Chlorpheniramine 4mg was prescribed for my cat who has seasonal allergies, which make her nose so stuffy that she snores. The allergies also make her skin itch. She had been chasing her tail, swatting at it, and basically running from it before we realized that her skin was itching. She gets Chlorpheniramine 4mg, every other day when needed. If she's not itching or snoring badly, we skip it. It's very easy to give if you wrap it in a pill pocket.
I just took my dog to the vet because his eyes alot of drainage and he would be rubbing at them. My vet gave me these pills. After one day of taking the pills Max's eyes are better. He seemed a little sleepy today but no scratching at his eyes. He seemed alot more comfortable.
Having been to numerous vets, homeopathy, etc., I figured I try this. Gave her (dog) one pill to be cautious and she got agitated. Tried a half and it just blocked up the mucous and now since I've had to stop, she's once againj suffering, but even more so. Also just rescued a tabby and he has horrible face scratching where (this is hard to hear) lots of the left side of his face is gone from scarching. His skin is always red & scabbed, he chews at it constantly. Will try this for him and will report back. Hope this was vaguely helpful.
I got this in hopes of it helping my chihuahua with his allergies and constant scratching. Benadryl works quite well for it but most of the time he will just turn his nose up to it. With chlorpheniramine I haven't had any problems with him taking it so far.
I have given the recommended dose to my cat for 12 days now, and, although the sneezing has abated, she has lost her appetite, and her behaviour has changed a bit (she has become more lovable and affectionate--nice, but not her normal behaviour). I stopped the drug now, and I would like to know how long it takes for the medicine to clear out of her body. Thanks, Tommy
The effects of chlorpheniramine last approximately 8 to 12 hours. If you stop the medication altogether, most of the medication is out of the body within 48-72 hours.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.