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dexchlorpheniramine

Generic Ryclora
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, Skin Allergy, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Anaphylaxis, Hives
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, Skin Allergy, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Anaphylaxis, Hives

Dexchlorpheniramine maleate, also known as brand name RyClora, is a first-generation antihistamine. It's prescribed for adults and children ages 2 years and older to treat symptoms of allergy or allergic reaction, like rash, itching, and sneezing. This medication works by blocking the effects of a chemical in the body called histamine. Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) comes as a cherry-flavored liquid that you take by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. It can cause side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 1, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora)?

What is Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) used for?

How Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) works

Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) is a first-generation antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical in your body that normally causes allergy symptoms. By blocking histamine, dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) helps relieve allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Are you looking for information on chlorpheniramine instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRyClora
Drug ClassAntihistamine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Stomach upset
  • Blurry vision

Other Side Effects

  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Trouble urinating
  • Double vision
  • Weakness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: rash, hives, itchiness, shortness of breath, chest tightness; swelling of lips, tongue, face, or eyes

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

Less common or rare with azatadine, cetirizine, clemastine, cyproheptadine, desloratadine, dexchlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, or loratadine

Abdominal or stomach pain

burning

chills

clay-colored stools or dark urine

cough

diarrhea

difficulty swallowing

dizziness

fast or irregular heartbeat

fever

headache

hives

itching

prickly sensations

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue

redness of skin

seizures

shortness of breath

skin rash

swelling

tightness in chest

tingling

unusual tiredness or weakness

wheezing

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

Sore throat

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Symptoms of overdose

Clumsiness or unsteadiness

convulsions (seizures)

drowsiness (severe)

dryness of mouth, nose, or throat (severe)

feeling faint

flushing or redness of face

hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

shortness of breath or troubled breathing

trouble in sleeping

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Drowsiness

dry mouth, nose, or throat

gastrointestinal upset, stomach pain, or nausea

headache

increased appetite and weight gain

thickening of mucus

Less common or rare

Acid or sour stomach

belching

blurred vision or any change in vision

body aches or pain

clumsiness or unsteadiness

confusion (not with diphenhydramine)

congestion

constipation

cough

diarrhea

difficult or painful urination

difficulty in moving

difficult or painful menstruation

dizziness (not with brompheniramine or hydroxyzine)

drowsiness (with high doses of desloratadine and loratadine)

dryness of mouth, nose, or throat

early menstruation

fast heartbeat

fever

heartburn

hoarseness

increased sensitivity of skin to sun

increased sweating

indigestion

loss of appetite

joint pain

muscle aching or cramping

muscle pains or stiffness

nausea

nightmares (not with azatadine, chlorpheniramine, cyproheptadine, desloratadine, hydroxyzine, or loratadine)

ringing or buzzing in ears

runny nose

skin rash

swollen joints

stomach discomfort, upset or pain

tender swollen glands in neck

tremor

unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability

vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora)

thumbs-up

Pros

Treats many symptoms of allergies and allergic reactions

Oral solution; potential option for people who can't swallow pills

Can be taken by children as young as 2 years old

thumbs-down

Cons

Requires a prescription

Might need to take every 4 hours

Can worsen certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma or urinary problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora)

pharmacist

  • Use a medication dosing cup or oral syringe to measure the dose of dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora). If you need one, ask your pharmacy. Avoid household spoons because they might not be accurate and could lead you to take the wrong dose.

    • Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) can make you sleepy, dizzy, and lose your balance. Don't drive until you know how this medication affects you. Also, avoid drinking alcohol because it can worsen these side effects.

      • Don't take other antihistamines while taking dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora). Many over-the-counter (OTC) products contain antihistamines, and taking more than one can raise your risk of antihistamine overdose, which can lead to serious side effects like heart problems, seizures, or even death.

        • Store dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) at room temperature up and away from children and pets. That way, they're less likely to reach it and accidentally take the medication. If you think your child accidentally took the medication, call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora)

          How long does dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) take to work and how long does it last?
          Based on data of other first-generation antihistamines, dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) will likely start to work 15 to 30 minutes after a dose. Its effects can last up to 6 hours after a dose. Talk with your healthcare team if you have more questions about what to expect after taking this medication.
          Is dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) over-the-counter?
          No, dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) is available by prescription from a healthcare professional only. Ask your primary care provider if an over-the-counter antihistamine is a good alternative choice to dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora).
          Is dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) an antihistamine?
          Yes, dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) is a prescription first-geneneration antihistamine used to treat several types of allergy conditions, such as seasonal and year-round allergies or mild skin symptoms of hives and angioedema.
          What's the difference between dexchlorpheniramine and chlorpheniramine?
          Dexchlorpheniramine and chlorpheniramine are both first-generation antihistamines used to treat allergies. They have similar chemical structures, but there are some differences. Dexchlorpheniramine is more potent than chlorpheniramine, and is only available as a prescription oral solution. Chlorpheniramine, on the other hand, is available over-the-counter (OTC) in tablets and liquid form. However, dexchlorpheniramine can sometimes be found in combination OTC cold and allergy mediations, like Vanacof or Rymed. Ask a member of your care team if you have more questions on the differences between both medications.
          Is dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) safe in pregnancy?
          More research is needed to understand how dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) might affect a developing baby. Animal studies suggest that dexchlorpheniramine isn't likely to cause harm if taken by mothers during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, discuss with your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) about the risks and benefits of taking this medication during pregnancy.
          Can I use dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) while breastfeeding?
          No, don't take dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) while breastfeeding. This medication can get into breast milk and cause irritability and extreme drowsiness in breastfed babies. It also can dry up your breast milk supply. If you're breastfeeding, ask your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) or prescriber about safer options to treat your condition.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora)?

          Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Accidentally taking too many antihistamines

          Accidentally taking too many antihistamines can be very dangerous, potentially leading to hallucinations, seizures, or even death. The risk is higher for children. Because dexchlorpheniramine (and other antihistamines) can be found in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications, it's important to check the labels of your medications to make sure you're not taking more than one antihistamine at a time.

          risk-warning

          Sleepiness

          • Risk factors: Alcohol | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Older adults

            Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) can make you sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you're an older adult, drink alcohol while taking dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora), or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. It's best to avoid alcohol while taking dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora). Talk to your prescriber about possible interactions with other medications and how to manage them.

            risk-warning

            Worsening of medical conditions

            Make sure your care team knows about all of your medical conditions before starting dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora). Though this medication is an antihistamine, it also has anticholinergic effects, which can worsen the symptoms of many conditions. These conditions include glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, trouble urinating, and an enlarged prostate.

            dosage

            Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) dosage forms

            The average cost for 473 ml of 2mg/5ml of Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) is $67.28 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
            ml of oral solution
            Ml of oral solution
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            2mg/5ml473 ml$67.28$0.14

            Typical dosing for Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora)

            Each 5 mL of RyClora contains 2 mg of dexchlorpheniramine.

            • Age 12 years and up: The typical dose is 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours.

            • Age 6 to under 12 years: The typical dose is one-half a teaspoonful (2.5 mL) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours.

            • Age 2 to under 6 years: The typical dose is a quarter teaspoonful (1.25 mL) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours.

            interactions

            Interactions between Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) and other drugs

            Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

            Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

            Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.

            Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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            How much does Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) cost?

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            contraindications-icon

            Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) contraindications

            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora) will not be safe for you to take.
            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Dexchlorpheniramine (RyClora)
            Used for:
            $67.28 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Chlorpheniramine
            Used for:

            • Sneezing

            • Runny nose

            • Itchy or watery eyes

            • Itchy nose or throat

            $2.76 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
            Used for:

            • Allergies

            • Common cold symptoms

            • Trouble sleeping for people 12 years and older

            $1.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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            References

            Best studies we found

            American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d.). Dermatographism.

            Carwin Pharmaceutical Associates, LLC. (2024). Ryclora- dexchlorpheniramine maleate liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.

            Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2021). Dexchlorpheniramine. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

            View All References (4)

            Kar, S., et al. (2012). A review of antihistamines used during pregnancy. Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics.

            Leader, P., et al. (2023). Vasomotor rhinitis. StatPearls.

            MedlinePlus. (2024). Angioedema.

            PubChem. (n.d.). Dexchlorpheniramine maleate [package insert]. National Library of Medicine.

            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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