Dexbrompheniramine

Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine that lessens the effects of histamine, a natural chemical in the body. Histamine can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Dexbrompheniramine is used to treat a runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Dexbrompheniramine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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.

You do not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use dexbrompheniramine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• asthma or chronic bronchitis;
• glaucoma; or
• 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.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dexbrompheniramine may cause serious side effects. Stop using dexbrompheniramine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• fast or uneven heart rate;
• mood changes;
• tremor, seizure (convulsions);
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• feeling short of breath; or
• little or no urination.

Common side effects of dexbrompheniramine may include:

• drowsiness;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• constipation;
• blurred vision; 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.

Since dexbrompheniramine is taken as needed, you may not have a regular dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule and forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Dexbrompheniramine may cause blurred vision or affect your thinking and reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that needs you to be alert and see clearly.

Drinking alcohol can increase some 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 lead to taking too much of this medicine.

Avoid getting overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Dexbrompheniramine can reduce sweating, and you may be more likely to experience heat stroke.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also taking 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 make these effects worse. Ask your doctor before taking dexbrompheniramine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.