On this page · 8 sections
- What is dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine?
- How should I take dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine?
- Warnings
- Before taking this medicine
- Dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine side effects
- What happens if I miss a dose?
- What happens if I overdose?
- What other drugs will affect dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine?
Dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine
Generic name: dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine
Brand names: Ala-Hist PE
What is dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine?
Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine. Phenylephrine is a decongestant.
Dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.
Dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How should I take dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.
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.
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.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Warnings
Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
Do not use this medicine only to make a child sleepy.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine if you are allergic to dexbrompheniramine or phenylephrine.
Do not use dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:
- asthma or other breathing problems such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis;
- high blood pressure or heart disease;
- glaucoma;
- diabetes;
- kidney disease; or
- a thyroid disorder.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine 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 and phenylephrine may cause serious side effects. Stop using dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine and call your doctor right away if you have:
- fast or irregular heartbeats;
- confusion, hallucinations;
- a seizure;
- ringing in your ears; or
- little or no urination.
Common side effects of dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine may include:
- headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
- blurred vision, double vision;
- dry mouth, nose, or throat;
- constipation, upset stomach; or
- trouble sleeping.
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.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine is taken as needed, you might not follow a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it’s nearly time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
- Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you understand how dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.
- Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of dexbrompheniramine.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect dexbrompheniramine and phenylephrine?
Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.