Brompheniramine

Brompheniramine is a prescription as well as an OTC medication used to treat sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. 

• Brompheniramine is available under various brand names: Dimetane, Dimetapp Allergy, Siltane, VaZol 

Common side effects of Brompheniramine include:

• drowsiness.
• blurred vision.
• constipation.
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).
• dry mouth, nose, or throat; or
• feeling restless or excited (especially in a child).

Serious side effects of Brompheniramine include:

• hives. 
• difficult breathing. 
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• extreme drowsiness.
• confusion, hallucinations.
• feeling nervous, restless, or dizzy.
• a seizure; or
• little or no urination.
• dry mouth, constipation, and confusion.

Rare side effects of Brompheniramine include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Tablet extended release

• 11 mg

Oral suspension

• 12 mg/5mL

Oral liquid

• 1 mg/1mL
• 2 mg/5mL

Allergies

Adult dosage

• 4 mg orally every 4-6 hours (no more than 24 mg once a day) or as needed
• Extended release: 8-12 mg tablet orally every 12 hours or 12-24 mg capsule orally once a day

Pediatric dosage

• Below 12 Years Old
• 0.5 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours orally

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Brompheniramine has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Brompheniramine has serious interactions with the following drugs:
  • calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium oxybates
  • eluxadoline
  • isocarboxazid
  • metoclopramide intranasal
  • pitolisant
  • selinexor
  • sodium oxybate
  • tranylcypromine
• Brompheniramine has moderate interactions with at least 199 other drugs.
• Brompheniramine has minor interactions with the following drugs:
  • ashwagandha
  • brimonidine
  • eucalyptus
  • nettle
  • sage
  • Siberian ginseng

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to brompheniramine
• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);
• severe coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
• a stomach ulcer.
• narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Unable to urinate
• Asthma attack.
• Took MAO inhibitors in the past 14 days

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Brompheniramine?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Brompheniramine?”

Cautions

• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you have health problems or use other medications, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not use cold or allergy medicine to make a child sleepy.
• Do not use brompheniramine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
• Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cold or allergy medicines that may contain similar ingredients.
• Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
• Avoid becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. You may be more prone to heat stroke while taking an antihistamine.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks during pregnancy. Ask a doctor before using Brompheniramine if you are pregnant.
• Lactation
  • Excretion in milk unknown/contraindicated. Ask a doctor before using Brompheniramine if you are breastfeeding.