Chlorphenamine

Chlorphenamine (INN) or chlorpheniramine (USAN, former BAN), commonly marketed as its salt chlorphenamine maleate (CPM; Chlor-Trimeton&reg;, Piriton&reg;, Chlor-Tripolon&reg;), is a first-generation antihistamine used in the prevention of the symptoms of allergic conditions such as rhinitis and urticaria. Its sedative effects are relatively weak compared to other first-generation antihistamines.

Chlorphenamine has antidepressant properties, inhibiting reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Based on this knowledge, the Swedish company Astra AB was able to derive the first marketed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, zimelidine, from chlorphenamine.