brompheniramine Health Article

Generic name(s):

brompheniramine

Brand name(s):

BroveX, BroveX CT, Dimetane, Dimetane Extentab, Dimetapp Allergy, Dimetapp Allergy Liquigel, Lodrane 12 Hour

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 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 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.