The Status of the Chlor-Trimeton Brand
The status of the Chlor-Trimeton brand has caused some confusion over the years due to the discontinuation of specific product variations. In 2018, the FDA noted that Chlor-Trimeton Allergy 12 Hour extended-release tablets (8 mg and 12 mg) were withdrawn from the market. This move was for business and marketing reasons, not because of safety or effectiveness concerns. This led some consumers to believe the entire brand was no longer produced. However, the standard 4-hour Chlor-Trimeton Allergy tablets are still produced and can be found on the shelves of pharmacies and major retailers like Walmart.
What Is Chlor-Trimeton?
The active ingredient in Chlor-Trimeton is chlorpheniramine maleate, a first-generation antihistamine. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a natural substance the body produces during an allergic reaction. This action helps to alleviate common symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies, including:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itching of the nose or throat
First-generation antihistamines like chlorpheniramine are known for being effective but also for their notable side effect of causing drowsiness. Because of this, it's often included in nighttime cold and flu formulas to aid sleep.
Understanding the Active Ingredient: Chlorpheniramine Maleate
Even if you cannot find the specific Chlor-Trimeton brand product you are looking for, the active ingredient, chlorpheniramine maleate, is widely available under various other brand names and as a generic medication. Generic versions are often much less expensive while containing the exact same active ingredient. You can find generic chlorpheniramine in tablets, liquids, and other formulations.
Chlorpheniramine is also commonly included in combination products to treat multi-symptom cold and allergy issues. For example, it can be found alongside decongestants and pain relievers in products such as:
- Tylenol Allergy Multi-Symptom
- Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough
- Sudafed Sinus and Allergy
Chlor-Trimeton vs. Newer Antihistamines
Over the past few decades, newer, second- and third-generation antihistamines have become popular. These drugs, such as Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine), are known for being non-drowsy, which is a major advantage for people who need relief during the day. The main difference lies in how they cross the blood-brain barrier. First-generation antihistamines cross this barrier easily, which leads to their sedating effect, while newer generations do not, reducing or eliminating drowsiness.
Comparison Table: First vs. Second-Generation Antihistamines
| Feature | Chlor-Trimeton (Chlorpheniramine) | Zyrtec (Cetirizine) | Claritin (Loratadine) | Allegra (Fexofenadine) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generation | First | Second | Second | Second |
| Common Side Effects | Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth | May cause some drowsiness | Generally non-drowsy | Least likely to cause drowsiness |
| Onset of Action | Typically takes effect within 30-60 minutes | Fast-acting, starts working quickly | Takes about 1-3 hours to take effect | Takes about 1-2 hours to take effect |
| Duration of Action | 4-6 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours | 12-24 hours |
| Best Use Case | Nighttime relief, short-term cold/allergy symptoms | Daily allergy relief, including hives, with slightly higher chance of drowsiness | Daily allergy relief for those sensitive to drowsiness | Daily allergy relief with the lowest risk of drowsiness |
Choosing the Right Antihistamine
Deciding which antihistamine is right for you depends on your individual needs and tolerance for side effects. For those who need a short-acting medication and are not concerned about drowsiness—or even welcome it to aid sleep—Chlor-Trimeton or its generic equivalents may be a cost-effective solution. However, if daytime alertness is a priority, switching to a second-generation, non-drowsy alternative is a more suitable option.
It is always wise to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist, especially when considering combination products or if you have pre-existing health conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, or glaucoma. Always read the label carefully to avoid accidental overdose from taking multiple products containing the same or similar active ingredients.
Conclusion
Yes, they still make Chlor-Trimeton, and its active ingredient, chlorpheniramine, is widely accessible over the counter in both brand-name and generic forms. While some 12-hour formulations were discontinued, the traditional 4-hour tablets and numerous generic options remain available. For those who find the drowsiness side effect of this first-generation antihistamine problematic, modern, non-drowsy alternatives like Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra offer effective relief. Your best choice depends on whether you prefer a sedating, shorter-acting medication or a non-drowsy, longer-lasting option. For guidance, consult a healthcare professional to ensure you choose the safest and most effective medication for your specific needs.
Connecticut Asthma and Allergy Center: List of Antihistamines
