Why is this medication prescribed?

Brompheniramine is an antihistamine medication commonly prescribed to relieve symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Brompheniramine is typically used to alleviate symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itching of the nose or throat
• Nasal congestion

It may also be used to alleviate symptoms of other conditions, such as allergic reactions to insect bites and stings, as well as allergic skin reactions.

How should this medicine be used?

Brompheniramine is typically taken orally as directed by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the medication label. Here are some general guidelines for using brompheniramine:

• Follow Dosage Instructions: Take brompheniramine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider or as directed on the medication label. Do not take more or less of it or take it more frequently than recommended.
• Take with or without Food: Brompheniramine can usually be taken with or without food. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the medication label.
• Do Not Crush or Chew Sustained-Release Tablets: If you’re prescribed sustained-release tablets, swallow them whole without crushing or chewing. Doing so ensures that the medication is released into your system gradually over time.
• Use a Measuring Device: When taking liquid forms of brompheniramine, use a proper measuring device to ensure you’re getting the correct dose. Household teaspoons are not accurate for measuring medications and may lead to dosing errors.
• Avoid Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking brompheniramine, as it can enhance drowsiness and other side effects.
• Store Properly: Store brompheniramine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Follow any specific storage instructions provided by your pharmacist.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids while taking brompheniramine to help alleviate symptoms and prevent dehydration, especially if you have a cold or allergies.
• Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you have any questions or concerns about how to use brompheniramine or if you’re unsure about its proper administration, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized guidance.

Always remember to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements, or medical conditions you have before starting brompheniramine to avoid potential interactions or complications.

Other uses for this medicine

Some off-label uses of brompheniramine may include:

• Relief of symptoms related to allergic reactions to insect bites and stings.
• Alleviation of symptoms associated with allergic skin reactions, such as itching and hives.
• Management of motion sickness or nausea.
• Adjunctive treatment for certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to relieve symptoms like coughing and wheezing.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions to consider when using brompheniramine:

• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any allergies, existing medical conditions, and medications (prescription, non-prescription, herbal, or dietary supplements) you’re currently taking.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using brompheniramine with your healthcare provider. It’s important to weigh the potential risks to the fetus or infant against the benefits of treatment.
• Children and Elderly: Use caution when giving brompheniramine to children and older adults, as they may be more sensitive to its effects. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on age and weight.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Brompheniramine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision, which can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Avoid these activities until you know how brompheniramine affects you.
• Alcohol and Other CNS Depressants: Avoid consuming alcohol or taking other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (such as sedatives or tranquilizers) while using brompheniramine, as it may increase the risk of sedation and other side effects.
• Allergic Reactions: If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention and discontinue use of brompheniramine.

Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice regarding the use of brompheniramine, especially if you have any concerns or questions about its safety or potential interactions with other medications or medical conditions.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with brompheniramine. However, it’s always a good idea to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated, especially if you are experiencing symptoms like nasal congestion or a runny nose.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of brompheniramine, 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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you’re unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

What side effects can this medication cause?

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

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Difficulty urinating (especially for men with prostate problems)
• Headache
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Nausea

These side effects are usually mild and may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, it’s essential to notify your healthcare provider.

In some cases, brompheniramine may cause more severe side effects that require immediate medical attention. These can include:

• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations)
• Difficulty sleeping
• Tremors
• Seizures

It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms while taking brompheniramine.

Additionally, because brompheniramine can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to perform certain tasks, such as driving or operating machinery, it’s important to avoid such activities until you know how the medication affects you.

If you have any concerns about the side effects of brompheniramine or if you experience any unusual symptoms while taking it, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for further guidance.

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

Here’s what you should know about the storage and disposal of brompheniramine:

Storage:

• Keep brompheniramine in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
• Store it at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
• Do not store brompheniramine in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink, where it may be exposed to moisture.

Disposal:

• Follow any specific disposal instructions provided by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
• Do not flush brompheniramine down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed to do so.
• If no specific disposal instructions are available, you can dispose of brompheniramine by mixing it with an unpalatable substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds in a sealed plastic bag and throwing it in the trash.
• Remove any personal information from the medication packaging before disposing of it.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately or seek emergency medical attention.
• If possible, provide information about the amount of brompheniramine ingested, the time of ingestion, and any symptoms experienced.
• Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by medical professionals.

What other information should I know?

• Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider and laboratory while taking brompheniramine.
• Do not take brompheniramine for longer than recommended or in higher doses than prescribed.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with brompheniramine.
• Avoid consuming alcohol or other sedating substances while taking brompheniramine, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
• If you are undergoing surgery, inform your healthcare provider that you are taking brompheniramine, as it may interact with anesthesia and other medications used during surgery.

Following these guidelines will help ensure the safe and effective use of brompheniramine and minimize the risk of adverse effects or complications. If you have any questions or concerns about brompheniramine or its use, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for further information and guidance.