What is Dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine?
Dexbrompheniramine acts as an antihistamine. Phenylephrine works as a decongestant. Combination medicine that contains dexbrompheniramine, which is used for treating runny, stuffy, or watery noses, sneezing and itching, as well as sinus congestion due to allergies, flu, or the common cold. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for dexbrompheniramine or phenylephrine.
Side effects of Dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Dexbrompheniramine may have serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fast or irregular heartbeats
- Confusion, hallucinations;
- A seizure;
- Ringing in the ears
- Little or no urine.
Some of the common side effects that dexbrompheniramine or phenylephrine can cause include:
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
- Double vision, or blurred vision, is another name for this phenomenon.
- Dry mouth, throat, nose, or nostril
- Constipation, upset stomach;
- Trouble sleeping
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; to report adverse events to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Hydroxyzine, Loratadine, Benadryl, Diphenhydramine, Epinephrine Topical, Levocetirizine, and Ipratropium Nasal
Warnings
If you've taken an MAO-inhibitor in the last 14 days (such as isocarboxazid or linezolid), phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, methylene green injection, or phenelzine, do not take this medication. This medicine is not intended to put a child to sleep.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to either dexbrompheniramine or phenylephrine, then dexbrompheniramine should be avoided. If you've used MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days, do not take dexbrompheniramine or phenylephrine. Drug interactions can occur. The MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine injection), rasagiline (selegiline), methylene blue injection, and others.
If you suffer from:
- Chronic bronchitis or asthma, or any other breathing disorders such as emphysema;
- Heart disease and high blood pressure
- Glaucoma;
- Diabetes;
- Kidney disease
- A thyroid condition.
Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing.
How to take Dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine?
Follow the directions on the package or those prescribed by your physician. Use cold or cough medicines only as needed until symptoms have cleared up. Do not chew or crush the tablet. Follow the directions provided on the label when giving cough and cold medicines to children. Never use cough and cold medicine to put a young child to sleep. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days, call your doctor. Tell your doctor or surgeon if this medication was taken within the last few days and if you are going to need medical testing or surgery. Keep away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a regular dosing regimen, as dexbrompheniramine is only used as needed. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how dexbrompheniramine (phenylephrine) will affect you. You could have impaired reactions. Before using any other cold or cough medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they contain the same ingredients. Dexbrompheniramine can be exacerbated by alcohol.
Interaction with other drug
Use this medication with caution if you are taking other medications that can cause drowsiness, such as muscle relaxers, opioids, and medicines for anxiety, seizures, etc. Before taking any other medications, such as prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal products, consult your doctor. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions with other drugs.
