Brompheniramine and dextromethorphan

Generic name: brompheniramine and dextromethorphan
Dosage form: oral liquid (2 mg-10 mg/10 mL)
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 6, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is brompheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Brompheniramine and dextromethorphan is a combination medicine used to treat cough, runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies.

Brompheniramine and dextromethorphan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Brompheniramine and dextromethorphan 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.

Brompheniramine and dextromethorphan may cause serious side effects. Stop using brompheniramine and dextromethorphan and call your doctor at once if you have:

• cough that will not stop; or

• fever, rash, headache.

Common side effects of brompheniramine and dextromethorphan may include:

• drowsiness; or

• 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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Do not use if you are taking a MAO inhibitor (certain antibiotics or medicines for anxiety, mood disorders, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping a MAO inhibitor. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use before taking brompheniramine and dextromethorphan.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use if you are taking a MAO inhibitor (certain antibiotics or medicines for anxiety, mood disorders, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping a MAO inhibitor. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use before taking brompheniramine and dextromethorphan.

You should not use brompheniramine and dextromethorphan if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if brompheniramine and dextromethorphan is safe to use if you have or have ever had:

• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;

• glaucoma;

• a breathing problem such as emphysema, or chronic bronchitis; or

• cough with severe mucus, or cough caused by asthma, smoking, or emphysema.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Brompheniramine and dextromethorphan should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take brompheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use.

Follow all directions when giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Do not use this medicine more often than directed.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a cough that will not stop, fever, rash, or headaches.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Brompheniramine and dextromethorphan dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Cold Symptoms:

Maintenance dose: 20 mL orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses in 24 hours

Comments:
-Use only the dosage cup provided to measure.
-Store the dosage cup with this product.

Uses: Temporary relief of cough, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, itchy watery eyes due to hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, coughing intensity

Usual Adult Dose for Cough:

Maintenance dose: 20 mL orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses in 24 hours

Comments:
-Use only the dosage cup provided to measure.
-Store the dosage cup with this product.

Uses: Temporary relief of cough, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, itchy watery eyes due to hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, coughing intensity

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cold Symptoms:

6 to 12 years:
Maintenance dose: 10 mL orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses in 24 hours

12 years and older:
Maintenance dose: 20 mL orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses in 24 hours

Comments:
-Use only the dosage cup provided to measure.
-Store the dosage cup with this product.

Uses: Temporary relief of cough, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, itchy watery eyes due to hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, coughing intensity

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough:

6 to 12 years:
Maintenance dose: 10 mL orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses in 24 hours

12 years and older:
Maintenance dose: 20 mL orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses in 24 hours

Comments:
-Use only the dosage cup provided to measure.
-Store the dosage cup with this product.

Uses: Temporary relief of cough, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, itchy watery eyes due to hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, coughing intensity

What happens if I miss a dose?

Brompheniramine and dextromethorphan is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

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 brompheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Drinking alcohol with brompheniramine and dextromethorphan can cause side effects.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

What other drugs will affect brompheniramine and dextromethorphan?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicines that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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