WARNING

Brovex PBC is a medication combining brompheniramine (an antihistamine), codeine (an opioid), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). While it can effectively treat symptoms like cough, congestion, and allergies, it also carries certain risks:

• Sedation and Drowsiness: Brompheniramine and codeine can cause drowsiness and sedation, which may impair your ability to perform tasks requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
• Respiratory Depression: Codeine, being an opioid, can suppress breathing, especially in high doses or sensitive individuals. This risk is higher in children and elderly patients.
• Addiction and Dependence: Codeine is an opioid, and like other opioids, it carries the risk of addiction and dependence with prolonged or high-dose use. It’s essential to use it only as prescribed and for the shortest duration necessary.
• Constipation: Opioids like codeine commonly cause constipation, which can be uncomfortable and, if severe, may require additional treatment.
• Drug Interactions: Brovex PBC can interact with other medications, especially other central nervous system depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or certain antidepressants, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.
• Overdose: Taking too much of this medication, intentionally or accidentally, can lead to overdose, which can be life-threatening due to respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
• Misuse and Abuse: Because it contains an opioid (codeine), there’s a risk of misuse or abuse, particularly in individuals with a history of substance abuse.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when taking Brovex PBC, and be aware of these potential risks. If you experience severe side effects or have concerns about its use, consult your doctor promptly.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Brovex PBC is typically prescribed to relieve symptoms associated with respiratory conditions such as cough, congestion, and allergies. Here’s why it’s prescribed:

• Cough: Brovex PBC contains codeine, which is an opioid cough suppressant. It helps to reduce coughing by acting on the cough center in the brain.
• Congestion: Phenylephrine, a decongestant in Brovex PBC, works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages and reducing swelling, thus relieving nasal congestion.
• Allergies: Brompheniramine, an antihistamine in Brovex PBC, helps alleviate symptoms of allergies by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance produced by the body during allergic reactions.

How should this medicine be used?

Brovex PBC should be used exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It’s essential to follow the dosing instructions provided on the medication label or as directed by your doctor. Here’s a general guideline for using Brovex PBC:

• Dosage: Take the medication in the prescribed dosage. This may vary depending on factors such as age, medical condition, and response to treatment.
• Frequency: Take Brovex PBC as directed by your healthcare provider. It’s typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for symptom relief. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or frequency of administration.
• Administration: Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets, as this can affect the medication’s efficacy and may increase the risk of side effects.
• Timing: You can take Brovex PBC with or without food. However, if stomach upset occurs, taking it with food or milk may help alleviate this side effect.
• Duration: Use Brovex PBC for the shortest duration necessary to relieve your symptoms. Do not continue taking it longer than prescribed unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Storage: Store Brovex PBC at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of Brovex PBC, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
• Consultation: If you have any questions or concerns about how to use Brovex PBC, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific medical condition and needs.

Always use Brovex PBC exactly as prescribed to ensure safe and effective treatment of your symptoms.

Other uses for this medicine

Some off-label uses may include:

• Sinusitis: Brovex PBC’s decongestant component (phenylephrine) can help relieve sinus congestion associated with sinusitis.
• Nasal Congestion: Phenylephrine in Brovex PBC can provide temporary relief from nasal congestion caused by various factors, including colds and allergies.
• Upper Respiratory Infections: The combination of antihistamine and decongestant in Brovex PBC may help alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory infections, such as runny nose, sneezing, and cough.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be taken when using Brovex PBC. Here are some important considerations:

• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially if you have a history of respiratory conditions, asthma, liver or kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, urinary retention, or substance abuse.
• Allergies: Inform your doctor of any allergies you have, particularly to medications, dyes, or preservatives. This information is crucial to prevent potential allergic reactions to Brovex PBC.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using Brovex PBC. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• Children and Elderly: Special precautions may be necessary when using Brovex PBC in children and elderly individuals. Dosage adjustments and close monitoring may be required due to increased susceptibility to side effects.
• Interactions: Brovex PBC may interact with other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Brovex PBC may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Brovex PBC, as it can exacerbate the sedative effects of the medication and increase the risk of side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidance when using Brovex PBC to ensure safe and effective treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about its use, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions, there are typically no specific dietary restrictions associated with Brovex PBC. However, if you have any concerns or questions about your diet while taking this medication, it’s best to discuss them with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Brovex PBC, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any questions or concerns about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Brovex PBC, like any medication, can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness: Brompheniramine and codeine, two components of Brovex PBC, can cause drowsiness or sedation, which may impair your ability to perform tasks requiring mental alertness.
• Dizziness: Some individuals may experience dizziness while taking Brovex PBC, especially when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position.
• Nausea or Upset Stomach: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach may occur, particularly when taking the medication on an empty stomach.
• Dry Mouth: Brompheniramine, an antihistamine in Brovex PBC, can cause dry mouth as a side effect.
• Constipation: Codeine, an opioid in Brovex PBC, commonly causes constipation, which can be alleviated by increasing fluid intake and dietary fiber.
• Blurred Vision: Some individuals may experience blurred vision or difficulty focusing while taking Brovex PBC.
• Urinary Retention: Codeine, an opioid in Brovex PBC, can cause urinary retention, especially in individuals with prostate enlargement or other urinary tract issues.
• Allergic Reactions: Rarely, allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.
• Respiratory Depression: In rare cases, codeine, an opioid in Brovex PBC, can cause respiratory depression, which is characterized by slowed or shallow breathing. This is more likely to occur with high doses or in individuals with respiratory conditions.
• Dependency and Withdrawal: Prolonged use of Brovex PBC containing codeine may lead to dependency or withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.

It’s important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects while taking Brovex PBC, especially if they are severe or persistent. Your doctor can provide guidance on managing side effects and may adjust your treatment plan if necessary. Additionally, if you have any concerns about the side effects of Brovex PBC, discuss them with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Brovex PBC:

• Storage: Store Brovex PBC at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Do not store it in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink where it may be exposed to moisture.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired Brovex PBC properly according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into drains unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for information on how to safely dispose of medications.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose, such as taking too much Brovex PBC, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, fainting, or coma.

What other information should I know?

• Other Information: It’s important to inform all healthcare providers involved in your care that you are taking Brovex PBC, especially before undergoing surgery or any medical procedure. This medication may interact with certain anesthesia drugs and other medications used during surgery.
• Avoid Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Brovex PBC, as it can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Be cautious when driving or operating machinery while taking Brovex PBC, as it may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision.
• Medical Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may need to monitor you regularly while taking Brovex PBC, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other medications that may interact with it.
• Allergic Reactions: If you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
• Follow Instructions: Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidance when taking Brovex PBC. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or frequency of administration unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

If you have any questions or concerns about Brovex PBC or its use, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.