AlleRx is a medication used to manage sinus congestion, upper respiratory infections, colds and allergies. This medication is a combination of the drugs chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine medication that blocks histamine-release from your cells. Histamine is responsible for causing such symptoms as a runny nose and sneezing. Phenylephrine is a decongestant drug that works to constrict your nasal blood vessels. AlleRx is available as an oral suspension (liquid) that you should take as your doctor prescribes.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, AlleRx typically causes constipation, diarrhea, a headache and dizziness. Add fiber to your diet by eating cereals and breads. This should help regulate your bowel movements and relieve your constipation. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Signs of dehydration include dry mucus membranes, especially around your mouth, dry skin and decreased urination. You should drink six to ten glasses of water daily to ensure that you are adequately hydrated. Hypokalemia can lead to constipation, asthenia (physical weakness) and muscle spasms. Add foods such as apricots and bananas to your diet. They are potassium-rich and can elevate your potassium levels. AlleRx can also cause nervousness, nausea, anxiety and weakness. Phone your doctor when AlleRx causes these side effects.
Serious Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, the combination of phenylephrine and chlorpheniramine can cause trouble urinating, visual problems, dizziness and trouble sleeping. Difficulty urinating can lead to an increase in your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. BUN is a substance made and excreted in your liver. Your kidneys are supposed to filter BUN. However, this substance builds up in your blood if your kidneys are not functioning properly. Your doctor can obtain a blood sample to measure your BUN levels. Drugs.com indicates that AlleRx can cause hallucinations, lightheadedness and seizures. Hallucination is a psychiatric manifestation in which you hear and see things that are not part of reality. Lightheadedness typically results from hypotension (low blood pressure). Decreased blood pressure prevents your blood from adequately circulating throughout your body. Decreased blood flow to your brain results in lightheadedness. Seizures form as a result of unorganized electrical activity in your brain. Discontinue AlleRx and call your doctor when it causes these side effects.
Additional Concerns
You must avoid AlleRx if you are hypersensitive to chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine. Manifestations of a hypersensitivity response include trouble breathing, hives and swelling of your tongue or throat. Drugs.com indicates that you shouldn't take AlleRx if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, asthma or lung problems. AlleRx may exacerbate these problems.
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