brompheniramine

Generic Name: brompheniramine (brome feh NEER a meen)Brand names: BroveX, BroveX CT, Dimetane, Dimetane Extentab, Dimetapp Allergy, Dimetapp Allergy Liquigel, Lodrane 12 Hour, ...show all 28 brand names.Cophene B, Nasahist B, Rohist, ND-Stat, Codimal A, Histaject, Prop-A-Tane, Siltane, VaZol, Bidhist, Lodrane XR, B-Vex, Lodrane 24, P-Tex, Bromaphen, J-Tan, J-Tan PD, Tanacof-XR, LoHist-12, Respa-BR, Bromax

What is brompheniramine?

Brompheniramine is an antihistamine. Brompheniramine blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body.

Brompheniramine is used to sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Brompheniramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about brompheniramine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Brompheniramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking brompheniramine. Do not crush, chew, or break the extended- or timed-release forms of brompheniramine. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking brompheniramine?

Do not take brompheniramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking brompheniramine, talk to your doctor if you have

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;

• a stomach ulcer;

• an enlarged prostate, bladder problems or difficulty urinating;

• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);

• hypertension or any type of heart problems; or

• asthma.

You may not be able to take brompheniramine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Brompheniramine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether brompheniramine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take brompheniramine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Brompheniramine passes into breast milk. Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines, and serious side effects could occur in a nursing infant. Do not take brompheniramine without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from brompheniramine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take brompheniramine?

Take brompheniramine exactly as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Brompheniramine can be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break the extended- or timed-release forms of brompheniramine. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of brompheniramine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed or is recommended on the package. The maximum amount of brompheniramine that you should take in 1 day is 24 mg. The regular-release tablets and the syrup are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed (four to six times a day). The sustained-release tablets and capsules are usually taken every 8 to 12 hours as needed (two or three times a day). If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, contact your healthcare provider. Store brompheniramine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a brompheniramine overdose may include extreme sleepiness, confusion, weakness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, large pupils, dry mouth, flushing, fever, shaking, insomnia, hallucinations, and possibly seizures.

What should I avoid while taking brompheniramine?

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking brompheniramine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain brompheniramine or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Brompheniramine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if brompheniramine is taken with any of these medications.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking brompheniramine.

Brompheniramine side effects

Stop taking brompheniramine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take brompheniramine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness;

• headache;

• dry mouth; or

• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Brompheniramine Dosing Information

Usual 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.

Usual 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.

Usual 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.

Usual 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.

Usual 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.

Usual 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.

Usual 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.

Usual 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 : < 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.

What other drugs will affect brompheniramine?

Do not take brompheniramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking brompheniramine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain brompheniramine or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Brompheniramine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if brompheniramine is taken with any of these medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with brompheniramine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about brompheniramine written for health professionals that you may read.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.02. Revision Date: 4/12/2009 4:38:14 PM.