brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine

Pronunciation:	brome feh NEER a meen and soo doe e FEH drin
Brand:	AccuHist Pediatric, Allent, Bromfed, Dallergy JR, Endafed, Histex SR, Iofed, Lodrane 12D, Lodrane Liquid, Nalfed, Respahist, Rondec Chewable

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

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

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 pseudoephedrine?

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

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

Brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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 pseudoephedrine?

Do not take brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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,
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 pseudoephedrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to 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 affect 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 pseudoephedrine. 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.

How should I take brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

Take brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine exactly as directed. 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.

Do not crush, chew, or break the long-acting or sustained-release forms of this medication. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure about the formulation of the medicine, ask your pharmacist for advice.

If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets or capsules, look for a liquid form of the medication.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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 recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

Store brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine overdose may include dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

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

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

What are the possible side effects of brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

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

dryness of the eyes, nose, or mouth;
drowsiness or dizziness;
blurred vision;
difficulty urinating; or
excitation in children.

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.

What other drugs will affect brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine?

Brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine 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 and pseudoephedrine is taken with any of these medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine. 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 additional information about brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Many formulations of brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine are available both over-the-counter and with a prescription under several brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

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.

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Copyright 1996-2003 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.02. Revision date: 1/20/06.

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