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Brompheniramine/Pseudoephedrine

    DEA Class;  Rx

    Common Brand Names; Brompheniramine/Pseudoephedrine

    • Antihistamine/Decongestant Combos

    Brompheniramine: Histamine H1-receptor antagonist

    Pseudoephedrine: Sympathomimetic; exerts decongestant action on nasal mucosa; stimulates the alpha-adrenergic receptors causing bronchodilation and vasoconstriction

    Indicated for the treatment of Nasal Congestion with Rhinitis

    Hypersensitivity to drugs or excipients

    Within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy

    Brompheniramine (Common)

    • Anticholinergic effects (blurred vision, dry mouth/nose, throat,

    • Drowsiness, dizziness, decreased coordination, headache

    • Constipation, stomach upset

    Pseudoephedrine (Common)

    • CNS (tremor, restlessness, etc)

    • Insomnia

    • Nausea

    • Vomiting

    Use with caution in mild-mod HTN, asthma, thyroid dysfunction, hyperglycemia, BPH, DM, glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and ischemic heart disease

    Many combo formulations are switching to phenylephrine due to restrictions arising from easy conversion to methamphetamine (The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 bans OTC sales of cold medicines that contain ingredients commonly used to make methamphetamine such as pseudoephedrine)

    May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; caution patients about performing tasks requiring mental alertness, including operating heavy machinery

    Medication may potentiate the effects of sedative drugs or ethanol

    Pregnancy category: C; not recommended in first tri-mester or last 2 weeks of pregnancy

    Lactation: Contraindicated

    Adults

    Capsule (4mg/60 mg): 1 PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 4 capsules/24hr

    Liquid: 20 mL [(1 mg/15 mg)/5 mL] PO q6hr; not to exceed 80 mg/24 hr

    Recommended maximum dosage limits

    • Brompheniramine: 24 mg PO in 24 hr
    • Pseudoephedrine: 240 mg PO in 24 hr

    Pediatric

    Capsule

    • <12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
    • >12 years: 4mg/60 mg (1 capsule) PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 4 capsules/24hr

    Liquid

    • 6-12 years: 10 mL [(15mg/1mg)/5 mL] PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 40 mL/day
    • >12 years: 20 mL [(15mg/1mg)/5 mL] PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 80 mL/day

    Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine

    oral liquid

    • (1mg/15mg)/5mL

    capsule

    • 4mg/60mg