Why is this medication prescribed?

Brovex SR is a medication commonly prescribed for the relief of symptoms associated with allergies and the common cold, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and nasal congestion. It contains the active ingredient pseudoephedrine, which is a decongestant that works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, thereby reducing swelling and congestion.

How should this medicine be used?

Brovex SR (sustained-release pseudoephedrine) should be used exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider or as directed on the medication label. Here are general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: Take Brovex SR exactly as prescribed. The dosage may vary depending on factors such as your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not alter the dosage unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
• Administration: Swallow the extended-release tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets before swallowing, as this can interfere with the sustained-release mechanism and may lead to too much medication being released at once.
• Timing: Brovex SR is typically taken every 12 hours, but follow the specific dosing schedule provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Take it at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body.
• Food: Brovex SR can be taken with or without food. However, if stomach upset occurs, taking it with food or milk may help alleviate discomfort.
• Duration: Use Brovex SR for the full prescribed duration, even if your symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Stopping the medication prematurely may allow the symptoms to return or worsen.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of Brovex SR, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
• Overdose: Avoid taking more than the prescribed amount of Brovex SR, as overdose can lead to serious adverse effects. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
• Consultation: If you have any questions or concerns about the use of Brovex SR, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for clarification and guidance.

Remember to store Brovex SR at room temperature away from moisture and heat, and keep it out of reach of children. If you experience any concerning side effects or if your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Other uses for this medicine

• Sinusitis: Pseudoephedrine may help relieve sinus congestion and pressure associated with sinusitis, although it’s typically used as an adjunct to other treatments like antibiotics or nasal corticosteroids.
• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: It may be used to alleviate Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can cause symptoms like ear pressure or pain due to blocked or swollen Eustachian tubes.
• Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media): Pseudoephedrine may help relieve ear congestion and pressure associated with middle ear infections, although its use for this purpose is not as common as other medications.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions to follow when using Brovex SR include:

• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, urinary problems, or any other medical conditions.
• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to pseudoephedrine, other medications, or any other substances.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Brovex SR, as the safety of pseudoephedrine during pregnancy and lactation is not well established.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Pseudoephedrine may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some individuals. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Brovex SR affects you.
• Alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking Brovex SR, as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.
• Overuse and Dependence: Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use Brovex SR for longer than prescribed, as overuse can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
• Storage: Store Brovex SR at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidelines for the safe and effective use of Brovex SR. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

As for special dietary instructions, there are typically no specific dietary restrictions associated with taking Brovex SR. However, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated, especially if you are experiencing symptoms like nasal congestion, which can lead to dehydration.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Brovex SR, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is 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 the missed one. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Brovex SR (sustained-release pseudoephedrine) may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects include:

• Nervousness: Some people may experience feelings of restlessness or nervousness after taking Brovex SR.
• Dizziness: Pseudoephedrine can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position.
• Headache: Headaches are a common side effect of pseudoephedrine use.
• Insomnia: Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant and may interfere with sleep, leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Nausea and Upset Stomach: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach.
• Increased Heart Rate: Pseudoephedrine can cause an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) in some people.
• High Blood Pressure: Pseudoephedrine can elevate blood pressure, particularly in individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth or throat may occur as a result of pseudoephedrine’s anticholinergic effects.
• Urinary Retention: Pseudoephedrine may cause difficulty urinating or urinary retention, particularly in men with prostate enlargement.
• Blurred Vision: Some individuals may experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances while taking pseudoephedrine.
• Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, pseudoephedrine may cause allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.

It’s essential to monitor for any side effects while taking Brovex SR and to report any concerns to your healthcare provider. Additionally, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, seek medical attention promptly. It’s crucial to use Brovex SR only as directed and to avoid exceeding the recommended dosage to minimize the risk of side effects.

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

Storage and disposal of Brovex SR:

Storage:

• Keep Brovex SR at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
• Store it in a tightly closed container, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not store Brovex SR in the bathroom, as moisture can degrade the medication.

Disposal:

• Dispose of expired or unused Brovex SR properly according to local regulations or guidelines.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so by the medication label or your pharmacist.
• You can check with your pharmacist or local waste disposal facility for information on how to properly dispose of medications.

In case of emergency/overdose

• If someone has overdosed and has severe symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call emergency services immediately.
• If possible, provide emergency personnel with information about the medication taken, the amount ingested, and the time it was taken.
• Do not attempt to treat an overdose at home without medical supervision.
• If you suspect an overdose but the person is conscious and alert, contact a poison control center or seek medical help immediately. You can reach a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (US) for guidance.

What other information should I know?

• Do not take Brovex SR if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the past 14 days, as this can lead to dangerous drug interactions.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Brovex SR, as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Follow all dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist, and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
• If your symptoms persist or worsen despite taking Brovex SR, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

By following these guidelines and being aware of important information about storage, disposal, emergencies, and other considerations, you can use Brovex SR safely and effectively.