What is Dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?
Dexbrompheniramine reduces histamine's effects in the body. Histamine may cause symptoms such as sneezing and itching. It can also lead to watery or runny eyes. Dextromethorphan suppresses coughing. It works by affecting the signals that are sent to the brain and triggering the cough reflex. Phenylephrine shrinks the blood vessels in the nasal passages. Nasal congestion can be caused by dilated blood vessels. Combination medicine that contains dexbrompheniramine (as well as other ingredients) and dextromethorphan (along with phenylephrine) is used to treat symptoms such as runny, stuffy, watery, or itchy eyes and nose, coughing, and congestion of the sinuses caused by the flu or the cold.
Dextromethorphan and phenylephrine do not work to treat coughs caused by asthma or smoking. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of dexbrompheniramine.
Side effects of Dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, 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.
The side effects of this medicine can be serious. If you experience:
- Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
- Severe dizziness or nervousness;
- Little or no urine;
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased blood pressure: severe headaches, blurred or distorted vision, pain in the neck, ears, and nose, as well as anxiety
Side effects that may occur from dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine include:
- Flushing (warmth or redness);
- Dry mouth, throat, or nose;
- Feeling nervous, restless, or irritable
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Feeling restless (especially among children);
- Loss of appetite
- Blurred vision
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; to report side effects directly, dial 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Bromfed DM, brompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine; Vicks Dayquil Cold and Fever Relief; Mucinex D; Codeine; and Promethazine VC
Warnings
Dexbrompheniramine and dextromethorphan should not be used if an MAO inhibitor has been taken in the last 14 days. Examples include isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene green injection (phenelzine), rasagiline, or selegiline. Never use cold or cough medicine to put a child to sleep.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to dexbrompheniramine or dextromethorphan. If you've taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days, don't use cold or cough medicine. A dangerous drug interaction may occur. The MAO inhibitors are Furazolidone, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine, Selegiline, Rasgiline, Tranylcypromine, Tranylcypromine, and Ratagiline.
If you suffer from:
- COPD, or asthma, is a common condition.
- A cough that is mucous or caused by chronic bronchitis
- A blockage of the intestines or stomach;
- Glaucoma;
- Liver or kidney disease
- Diabetes;
- Hypertension or heart disease?
- A thyroid condition;
- Urination issues.
Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. The liquid medicine you take may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria, check the label of your medication.
How to take Dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?
Follow all directions included on your package or those given to you by your doctor. Use cold or cough medicines only as needed until symptoms have cleared up. Follow the directions provided on a medicine's label when giving a cough medicine or cold medication to your child. Never use cough and cold medicine to put a young child to sleep. Measuring liquid medication is important. Dosing devices are available, but not spoons. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days or you experience a headache, fever, or rash, call your doctor. Tell the doctor or surgeon if you've taken cough medicine or cold medication in the last few days. Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for nasal congestion and cough:
Oral syrup composed of dexbrompheniramine, 20mg dextromethorphan, and 10mg phenylephrine in a ratio of 2 mg/dextromethorphan/5 L:
Orally, take 5 mL 4 times a day.
Extended-release oral tablet containing dexbrompheniramine, 6 mg/dextromethorphan, and 30 mg/phenylephrine (20 mg):
Take 1 tablet twice daily, but not more than 2 tablets.
The usual pediatric dose for nasal congestion and cough:
Oral syrup of dexbrompheniramine, dexromethorphan, and phenylephrine:
Orally, 2.5 mL 4 times per day for children aged 6–12 years.
If you are under 12 years old, take 5 mL orally four times daily.
Extended-release oral tablet containing Dexbrompheniramine, 6 mg/Dextromethorphan, 30 mg/Phenylephrine (20mg):
Orally, 0.5 tablets twice daily.
If you are over 12 years old, take 1 tablet twice a day. Do not exceed this amount.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine because they are 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?
Alcohol consumption with dexbrompheniramine can have side effects. Before using any other cold or cough medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they contain the same ingredients. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine affects you. You may be unable to react properly.
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.
