Dexbrompheniramine
Generic name: dexbrompheniramine [ DEX-brom-fen-IR-a-meen ]
Brand names: Ala Hist IR, PediaVent, Ala-Hist IR
Dosage forms: oral liquid (2 mg/5 mL), oral tablet (2 mg)
Drug class: Antihistamines
What is dexbrompheniramine?
Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Dexbrompheniramine is used to treat runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.
Dexbrompheniramine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Dexbrompheniramine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Dexbrompheniramine may cause serious side effects. Stop using dexbrompheniramine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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fast or uneven heart rate;
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mood changes;
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tremor, seizure (convulsions);
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easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
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feeling short of breath; or
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little or no urination.
Common side effects of dexbrompheniramine may include:
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dry mouth, nose, or throat;
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blurred vision; or
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feeling restless or excited (especially in children).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.
Before taking this medicine
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use dexbrompheniramine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
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asthma or chronic bronchitis;
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glaucoma; o
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an enlarged prostate and urination problems.
It is not known whether dexbrompheniramine will harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether dexbrompheniramine passes into breast milk or if it could cause side effects in the nursing baby. Antihistamines may also slow breast milk production. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding.
How should I take dexbrompheniramine?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. This medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.
You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since dexbrompheniramine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking dexbrompheniramine?
dexbrompheniramine may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of dexbrompheniramine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other allergy, cold, or sleep medicine. Many combination medicines contain dexbrompheniramine or a similar antihistamine. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this medicine.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Dexbrompheniramine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
What other drugs will affect dexbrompheniramine?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking dexbrompheniramine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
More about dexbrompheniramine
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Further information
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.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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