What is Dimetapp?
Dimetapp Cold & Allergy is a combination product of brompheniramine, phenylephrine, and epinephrine. Brompheniramine, an antihistamine, reduces histamine's effects in the body. Histamine symptoms include sneezing and itching. They can also cause watery eyes and a runny or stuffy nose. Decongestant phenylephrine shrinks the blood vessels in nasal passages. Nasal congestion can be caused by dilated blood vessels. Dimetapp Cold and Allergy treats symptoms such as sneezing or runny/stuffed nose, itchy or watery eyes, or the cold. Dimetapp Cold and Allergy can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Warnings
Dimetapp should not be used if MAO inhibitors have been taken in the last 14 days. It is possible that a dangerous drug interaction will occur. There are several MAO inhibitors, including isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine), rasagiline (selegiline), and tranylcypromine. You should not administer Dimetapp 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 misused cough and cold medications.
Before you take this drug
Dimetapp should not be used if MAO inhibitors have been taken in the last 14 days. It is possible that a dangerous drug interaction will occur. There are several MAO inhibitors, including isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine), rasagiline (selegiline), and tranylcypromine.
Dimetapp Cold & Allergy should not be used if you have an allergy to brompheniramine or phenylephrine.
If you suffer from:
- Asthma, or COPD, is coughing with mucus or coughing caused by smoking or chronic bronchitis.
- A blockage of the intestines or stomach;
- Kidney or liver disease
- High blood pressure or heart disease;
- Urination or prostate problems
- Glaucoma;
- Diabetes;
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland.
- Overactive thyroid gland;
- If you are taking potassium supplements (Cytra Epiklor K-Lyte K-Phos Kaon Klor-Con Polycitra Urocit K),
Dimetapp Cold & Allergy is in FDA Category C. There are no known risks to an unborn child. If you're pregnant, do not take Dimetapp Cold & Allergy unless your doctor has advised it. Brompheniramine or phenylephrine may pass into the breast milk. It is unknown if this could cause harm to a baby who was nursing. Decongestants and antihistamines can also reduce breast milk production. If you're breastfeeding, do not take Dimetapp Cold & Allergy unless your doctor has advised it. Dimetapp Cold & Allergy may cause more side effects in older adults. Phenylalanine can be found in liquid cold medicines that are artificially sweetened. Check the label of the medicine you are taking if you suffer from phenylketonuria.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, Fluticasone Nasal, Montelukast, Cetirizine, Promethazine, Zyrtec, and Flonase
How to take Dimetapp?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use Dimetapp longer than prescribed by your physician. Use only the recommended dose. Do not exceed it. Cold medicines are usually only taken for a few days until symptoms disappear. You should not administer Dimetapp 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 misused cough and cold medications. Dimetapp Cold and Allergy should be measured with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a normal table spoon. Ask your pharmacist if you don't have one. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days, call your doctor. Dimetapp Cold and Allergy may cause abnormal results in allergy skin tests. Inform any physician who treats you of your antihistamine use. Tell the surgeon if you've taken Dimetapp in the last few days. Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a regular schedule of dosages since cold medicines are taken only when needed. Take the missed dosage as soon as possible if you take your 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?
Dimetapp Cold and Allergy can impair thinking or reaction. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Dimetapp colds and allergies can be affected by alcohol. Before using another cold, allergy, or sleep medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Many combination medications contain brompheniramine or phenylephrine. You can get an overdose of certain drugs by taking certain products in combination. You can check the label of a medication to determine if it contains antihistamines or decongestants.
Side effects of Dimetapp
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Dimetapp, seek emergency medical attention: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your mouth, face, lips, or throat
If you experience:
- Chest pain with a rapid or irregular heartbeat;
- Confusion, hallucinations, and severe anxiety
- Tremor, seizure (convulsions);
- Little or no urinating is acceptable.
- Easy bruising, bleeding, or unusual weakness
- High blood pressure can cause dangerous symptoms (headache, buzzing, anxiety, and shortness of breath).
Side effects of Dimetapp include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;
- Dry mouth or nose
- Constipation and nausea are common symptoms of constipation.
- Memory or concentration problems;
- Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report any side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Before using Dimetapp, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you also use any other medications, such as prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements. When used in combination, some medicines may cause harmful or unwanted effects. This medication guide does not list all interactions. This medicine can make these side effects worse if taken with drugs that slow breathing or cause sleepiness. Dimetapp Cold & Allergy should not be taken with sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxers, anxiety or depression medications, or seizure medicine.
