What is brompheniramine

Brompheniramine or brompheniramine maleate is a first generation antihistamine that is used to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; urticaria; sneezing; and runny nose (allergic rhinitis) caused by allergies, hay fever, flu and the common cold. Brompheniramine helps control symptoms, but does not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Brompheniramine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children.

Brompheniramine is a histamine H1 antagonist that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Brompheniramine is commonly available over the counter (OTC) and brompheniramine comes in combination with other cough and cold medications as a chewable tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) capsule, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a liquid to be taken by mouth. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which product is best for your symptoms.

Brompheniramine chewable tablet and liquid are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The extended-release tablets and capsules are usually taken every 8 or 12 hours as needed. Follow the directions on the package label or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take brompheniramine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than directed by the package label or prescribed by your doctor.

Check nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before taking two or more products at the same time. These products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and taking them together could cause you to receive an overdose. This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child.

Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including products that contain brompheniramine, can cause serious side effects or death in young children. Do not give these products to children younger than 6 years of age. If you give these products to children 6-11 years of age, use caution and follow the package directions carefully.

If you are giving a product that contains brompheniramine to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age. Do not give brompheniramine products that are made for adults to children.

Before you give a brompheniramine product to a child, check the package label to find out how much medication the child should receive. Give the dose that matches the child’s age on the chart. Ask the child’s doctor if you don’t know how much medication to give the child.

If you are taking the liquid, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. Use the measuring spoon or cup that came with the medication or use a spoon made especially for measuring medication.

If you are taking the extended-release tablets or capsules swallow them whole; do not crush, break, or chew them.

Stop taking brompheniramine and call your doctor if your symptoms last longer than 7 days or if you have a fever.

Brompheniramine and phenylephrine

Brompheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Brompheniramine and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

Do not use brompheniramine and phenylephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

You should not use brompheniramine and phenylephrine combination medicine if you are allergic to brompheniramine or phenylephrine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take brompheniramine and phenylephrine combination medicine if you have:

• asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;
• kidney or liver disease;
• high blood pressure, heart disease;
• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• glaucoma;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor);
• overactive thyroid; or
• if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).

It is not known whether brompheniramine and phenylephrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without your doctor’s advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether brompheniramine and phenylephrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without your doctor’s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially sweetened liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Brompheniramine and phenylephrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using brompheniramine and phenylephrine combination medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate;
• little or no urinating;
• confusion, severe nervousness; or
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, shortness of breath).

Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;
• dry nose or mouth;
• nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;
• problems with memory or concentration; or
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine

Brompheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

Brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine medication can cause unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, rapid pulse, fast or uneven heart rate;
• confusion, hallucinations, severe nervousness;
• tremor, seizure (convulsions);
• little or no urinating;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, shortness of breath).

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;
• dry nose or mouth;
• nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;
• problems with memory or concentration; or
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Brompheniramine special precautions

Brompheniramine should be used with caution in patients with asthma, heart disease, hypertension or thyroid disease.

Before taking brompheniramine:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to brompheniramine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in brompheniramine preparations. Check the package label for a list of the ingredients.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: medications for colds, hay fever, or allergies; medications for depression or seizures; monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate); muscle relaxants; narcotic medications for pain; sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or other breathing problems; glaucoma (a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision); ulcers; difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland); heart disease; high blood pressure; seizures; or an overactive thyroid gland.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking brompheniramine, call your doctor.

• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking brompheniramine.

• you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

• talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking brompheniramine. Alcohol can make the side effects of brompheniramine worse.

• talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking brompheniramine if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take brompheniramine because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.

Brompheniramine Pregnancy Warnings

Brompheniramine has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies failed to reveal evidence of teratogenicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. The Collaborative Perinatal Project monitored 65 first trimester exposures to brompheniramine. Malformations were reported in 10 infants, a statistically significant association. In another 6509 live births, 172 mothers were exposed to Dimetapp (brompheniramine, phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine). Five infants were born with congenital abnormalities resulting in a somewhat higher frequency than normal. Brompheniramine is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweigh risk.

Brompheniramine Breastfeeding Warnings

There are no data on the excretion of brompheniramine into human milk. Many H1-antagonists are excreted in human milk and in general, these medications are not recommended for use during breast-feeding. Side effects in breast-feeding infants may manifest as irritability, disturbed sleeping patterns, drowsiness, hyperexcitability, or excessive crying. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or brompheniramine, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Brompheniramine dosage

Adult dose for Cold Symptoms

• Immediate Release: 4 mg to 8 mg orally every 6 hours as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only twice daily.
• Extended Release: 6 mg to 12 mg extended release orally twice daily as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only once a day, preferably at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
• Maximum oral dose: 24 mg/day.

Adult dose for Allergic Rhinitis

• Immediate Release: 4 mg to 8 mg orally every 6 hours as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only twice daily.
• Extended Release: 6 mg to 12 mg extended release orally twice daily as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only once a day, preferably at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
• Maximum oral dose: 24 mg/day.

Adult dose for Urticaria

• Immediate Release: 4 mg to 8 mg orally every 6 hours as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only twice daily.
• Extended Release: 6 mg to 12 mg extended release orally twice daily as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only once a day, preferably at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
• Maximum oral dose: 24 mg/day.

Adult dose for Allergic Reaction

• Immediate Release: 4 mg to 8 mg orally every 6 hours as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only twice daily.
• Extended Release: 6 mg to mg 12 mg extended release orally twice daily as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only once a day, preferably at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
• Maximum oral dose: 24 mg/day.
• IV, IM, subcutaneous: 5 mg to 20 mg every 6 to 12 hours. Duration of action is 3 to 12 hours.
  • Maximum parenteral dose: 40 mg/day.

Pediatric dose for Allergic Rhinitis

• < 6 years:
  • Immediate Release: 0.125 mg/kg/dose orally every 6 hours.
    • Maximum dose: 6 mg to 8 mg/day.
• 2 to 6 years:
  • Extended Release suspension: 2 mg orally twice daily, not to exceed 2 doses in 24 hours.
• 6 to 12 years:
  • Immediate Release: 2 mg to 4 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours.
    • Maximum dose 12 to 16 mg/day.
  • Extended Release suspension: 4 mg orally twice daily, not to exceed 2 doses in 24 hours.
• 12 years:
  • Immediate Release: 4 mg to 8 mg orally every 6 hours as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only twice daily.
  • Extended Release: 6 mg to 12 mg sustained release orally twice daily as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only once a day, preferably at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
  • Maximum oral dose 24 mg/day.

Pediatric dose for Cold Symptoms

• < 6 years:
  • Immediate Release: 0.125 mg/kg/dose orally every 6 hours.
    • Maximum dose: 6 mg to 8 mg/day.
• 2 to 6 years:
  • Extended Release suspension: 2 mg orally twice daily, not to exceed 2 doses in 24 hours.
• 6 to 12 years:
  • Immediate Release: 2 mg to 4 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours. Maximum dose 12 to 16 mg/day.
  • Extended Release suspension: 4 mg orally twice daily, not to exceed 2 doses in 24 hours.
• 12 years:
  • Immediate Release: 4 mg to 8 mg orally every 6 hours as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only twice daily.
  • Extended Release: 6 mg to 12 mg sustained release orally twice daily as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only once a day, preferably at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
  • Maximum oral dose 24 mg/day.

Pediatric dose for Urticaria

• < 6 years:
  • Immediate Release: 0.125 mg/kg/dose orally every 6 hours.
    • Maximum dose: 6 mg to 8 mg/day.
• 2 to 6 years:
  • Extended Release suspension: 2 mg orally twice daily, not to exceed 2 doses in 24 hours.
• 6 to 12 years:
  • Immediate Release: 2 mg to 4 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours. Maximum dose 12 to 16 mg/day.
  • Extended Release suspension: 4 mg orally twice daily, not to exceed 2 doses in 24 hours.
• 12 years:
  • Immediate Release: 4 mg to 8 mg orally every 6 hours as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only twice daily.
  • Extended Release: 6 mg to 12 mg sustained release orally twice daily as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only once a day, preferably at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
  • Maximum oral dose 24 mg/day.

Pediatric dose for Allergic Reaction

• < 6 years:
  • Immediate Release: 0.125 mg/kg/dose orally every 6 hours.
    • Maximum dose: 6 mg to 8 mg/day.
• 2 to 6 yrs:
  • Extended Release Suspension: 2.5 mg extended release orally twice daily as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only once a day, preferably at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
• 6 to 12 years:
  • Immediate Release: 2 mg to 4 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours.
    • Maximum dose 12 to 16 mg/day.
  • Extended Release Suspension: 5 mg extended release orally twice daily as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only once a day, preferably at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
• > 12 years:
  • Immediate Release: 4 mg orally every 6 hours as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only twice daily.
  • Extended Release: 6 mg to 12 mg extended release orally twice daily as needed. The duration of action varies from patient to patient. Many patients will require dosing only once a day, preferably at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
  • Maximum oral dose 24 mg/day.

IM, IV, subcutaneous brompheniramine:

• < 12 years: 0.5 mg/kg/day divided every 6 to 8 hours.
• > 12 years: 5 mg to 20 mg every 6 to 12 hours. Duration of action is 3 to 12 hours.
• Maximum parenteral dose 40 mg/day.

Renal Dose Adjustments

• Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

• Data not available

Dialysis

• Data not available

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Brompheniramine is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take brompheniramine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Brompheniramine side effects

Brompheniramine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth, nose, and throat
• nausea
• headache
• chest congestion

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Shortness of breath.
• Change in balance.
• Change in eyesight.
• Mood changes.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Very bad sore throat.
• Fever or chills.
• Trouble passing urine.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Feeling confused.
• Restlessness.
• Shakiness.
• Seizures.

Brompheniramine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking brompheniramine.

Brompheniramine overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call your emergency services number.

Below are symptoms of a brompheniramine overdose in different parts of the body.

BLADDER AND KIDNEYS

• Cannot urinate
• Difficulty urinating

EYES, EARS, NOSE, MOUTH, AND THROAT

• Blurred vision
• Dilated (wide) pupils
• Dry mouth
• Ringing in the ears

HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS

• Rapid heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure

NERVOUS SYSTEM

• Agitation
• Coma
• Seizures
• Delirium
• Disorientation, hallucinations
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Nervousness
• Tremor
• Unsteadiness, weakness

SKIN

• Flushed skin

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

• Nausea and vomiting

What to expect at the emergency room

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

The provider will measure and monitor the person’s vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray
• ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)

Treatment may include:

• Intravenous fluids (through a vein)
• Medicine to treat symptoms
• Activated charcoal
• Laxatives
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
• Breathing support, including tube through the mouth into the lungs and connected to a ventilator (breathing machine)

Brompheniramine overdose prognosis

If the person survives the first 24 hours, chances of survival are good. Few people actually die from an antihistamine overdose. With very high doses of antihistamines, however, serious heart rhythm disturbances may occur, which can cause death.

Keep all medicines in child-proof bottles and out of the reach of children.