What  is brompheniramine? 

Brompheniramine is  an antihistamine. Brompheniramine blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. 

Brompheniramine is used to sneezing; runny nose; itching,  watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching;  and other symptoms of allergies  and the common cold.

Brompheniramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing  other hazardous activities. Brompheniramine 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. Do not crush, chew, or break the extended- or timed-release forms of brompheniramine. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking brompheniramine? 

Do not take brompheniramine 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 brompheniramine, talk to your doctor if you have 

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye; 
• a stomach ulcer; 
• an enlarged prostate, bladder problems  or difficulty urinating; 
• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism); 
• hypertension  or any type of heart problems;  or
• Asthma. 

You may not be able  to take brompheniramine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. 

Brompheniramine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is  not known whether brompheniramine will be harmful to an unborn baby.  Do not take brompheniramine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant  or could become pregnant during treatment. Brompheniramine passes into breast milk. Infants are especially sensitive to the effects  of antihistamines, and serious side effects could occur in a nursing infant. Do not  take brompheniramine without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be  more likely to experience side effects from brompheniramine. You may require a lower dose of this medication. 

How should I take brompheniramine? 

Take brompheniramine exactly as directed on  the package or as directed by  your doctor. 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. 

Brompheniramine can be taken with or without food. 

Do not crush, chew, or break the extended- or timed-release forms of brompheniramine. Swallow  them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. 

To ensure that you get  a correct dose, measure the liquid form  of brompheniramine 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 prescribed or is recommended on the package. The maximum amount of brompheniramine that you should take  in 1 day is 24 mg. The regular-release tablets and  the syrup are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed (four to six times a day). The sustained-release tablets  and capsules are usually taken every 8 to 12 hours as needed (two or three times a day). If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, contact your healthcare provider.  Store brompheniramine 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 unless otherwise directed by  your doctor.

What happens if I overdose? 

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. 

Symptoms  of a brompheniramine overdose may include extreme sleepiness, confusion, and weakness, ringing in  the ears, blurred vision, large pupils, dry mouth, flushing, fever, shaking, insomnia, hallucinations, and possibly seizures. 

What should I avoid while taking brompheniramine? 

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

Brompheniramine 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 is taken with any of these medications. 

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

Brompheniramine side effects 

Stop taking brompheniramine  and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). 

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

• sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness; 
• headache;
• dry mouth; or 
• Difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate. 

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? 

Do not take brompheniramine 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. 

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

Brompheniramine 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 is taken with any of these medications. 

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with brompheniramine. 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 more information about brompheniramine written for health professionals that you may read. 
• 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 
•  The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.