brompheniramine and phenylpropanolamine Health Article

Generic name(s):

brompheniramine and phenylpropanolamine

Brand name(s):

brompheniramine-phenylpropanolamine, Altatapp, Dibrom, Dibromm, Dimaphen, Dimetapp, Myphetapp

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

Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Brompheniramine and phenylpropanolamine 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 and phenylpropanolamine.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

What is brompheniramine and phenylpropanolamine?

Brompheniramine is an antihistamine. It works against the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body. Brompheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas and allows nasal passages to open up.

Brompheniramine and phenylpropanolamine is used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.

Brompheniramine and phenylpropanolamine 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 and phenylpropanolamine?

Do not take brompheniramine and phenylpropanolamine 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 this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease,
• liver disease,

• diabetes,

• glaucoma,

• any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,

• thyroid disease,

• emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or

• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

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

Brompheniramine and phenylpropanolamine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from brompheniramine and phenylpropanolamine. You may require a lower dose of this medication. Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions.