What is Dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?
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 brain signals that cause the cough reflex. Pseudoephedrine acts as an effective nasal decongestant by shrinking blood vessels in order to relieve congestion in your nose.Dilated vessels in the nose can lead to congestion. Combination medicine containing dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine to treat allergies, colds, flu, watery eyes, itchiness, sneezing, and runny nose. Dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine do not work to treat coughs caused by asthma or emphysema, nor can they be used for a smoker's cough. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of dexbrompheniramine (also known as pseudoephedrine), dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine.
Side effects of Dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response, 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:
- Confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, and tremors are all symptoms of severe anxiety.
- Weak or shallow breathing
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Fast or pounding pulses.
- The urination is difficult or painful, or there may be little or no urinating.
- Pale skin, weakness or easy bleeding, fever, and body aches
- Increased blood pressure can cause a severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats.
Some of the common side effects associated with dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
- Constipation; upset stomach; loss of appetite
- Double vision, or blurred vision, is a sign of dry, irritated eyes.
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Dry mouth, throat, nose, or nasal passages
Older adults may experience side effects like dry mouth, confusion, or constipation. There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; also report them by contacting FDA at 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
You should not take this medication if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. There is a risk of a dangerous drug interaction. The MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and transylcypromine.
Before you take this drug
If you've taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days, do not take dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, or pseudoephedrine. Possible drug interactions could occur.There are several MAO inhibitors, including isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine), rasagiline (selegiline), and tranylcypromine.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medication is right for you:
- If you have asthma, COPD, or a cough that is caused by mucus, smoking, or chronic lung disease, then this could be the cause.
- A blockage of your digestive system (either in the stomach or intestines);
- Heart Disease High blood pressure
- Liver or kidney disease
- Glaucoma;
- Cough with mucus or cough due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema;
- Urination or prostate problems;
- Pheochromocytoma
- Overactive thyroid
- If you are taking potassium supplements (Cytra Epiklor K-Lyte K-Phos Kaon Klor-Con Polycitra Urocit K),
FDA pregnancy class "C": It's not known if dexbrompheniramine and dextromethorphan will cause harm to an unborn child. If you're pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medication. The medicine may pass through breast milk, causing harm to a baby who is nursing. Antihistamines, decongestants, and other medications can also reduce breast milk production. If you're breastfeeding, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor.
How to take Dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. Use the recommended dose and do not exceed it. Cold or cough medicine should be taken for only a few days until symptoms are gone. This medication should not be given to children younger than four years of age. Ask a doctor first before you give a cough medicine or cold medication to your child. Children as young as 4 years old can die from misuse. Use a medicine cup or spoon to measure liquid medicines. Ask your pharmacist if you don't have one. Take the medication for no more than seven days. Speak to your doctor if symptoms don't improve within 7 days or you experience a fever, headaches, or a skin rash.
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. Keep it at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for nasal congestion and cough:
Dexbrompheniramine/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine, 0.667 mg-10 mg-20 mg/5 mL oral liquid:
Do not exceed 60 mL per day.
The usual pediatric dose for nasal congestion and cough:
Dexbrompheniramine/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine, 0.667 mg-10 mg-20 mg/5 mL oral liquid:
From 6 to 11 years old: oral 7.5 mL every 6 hours, not exceeding 30 mL per day.
If you are 12 or older, take 15 mL every six hours orally. Do not exceed 60 mL per day.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a regular schedule of dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine dosages. Take the missed dosage as soon as possible if you take this medication regularly. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol can enhance certain dexbrompheniramine side effects, as well as dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine. Before using any other allergy, cold, or cough medicine, ask your doctor. Many combination medications contain antihistamines or cough suppressants. You can get an overdose of certain drugs if you take certain products in combination. You can check the label of a medication to determine if it contains antihistamines or cough suppressants. The medication can cause blurred or double vision, and it may affect your ability to think clearly. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness and the ability to see clearly.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the medicines that you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies. When used in combination, some medicines may cause harmful or unwanted effects. This medication guide does not list all interactions. These effects can be worsened by taking dexbrompheniramine with dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine. Before taking dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine along with sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxers, anxiety, depression, or seizure medicine, ask your doctor.
