Drugs >  Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, ...
Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, and Codeine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(brome fen IR a meen, fen il proe pa NOLE a meen, & KOE deen)

Brand Names
Bromanate® DC; Bromphen® DC w/Codeine; Dimetane®-DC; Myphetane DC®; Poly-Histine CS®

Therapeutic Categories
Antihistamine/Decongestant/Antitussive

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

  • There is a risk of stroke with use of phenylpropanolamine. The Food and Drug Administration is asking drug companies to stop making products containing phenylpropanolamine.


Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to brompheniramine, phenylpropanolamine, codeine or any other part of the medicine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • Brompheniramine is used to help bring up phlegm, thin secretions, and make a cough productive.
  • Phenylpropanolamine is used to treat long-term nasal congestion and headaches.
  • Codeine suppresses coughing.


How does it work?

  • Brompheniramine, if taken before coming in contact with the material that causes the allergy, blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing/preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
  • Phenylpropanolamine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages. Sinus drainage is increased by this.
  • Codeine acts by affecting the brain's cough center.


How is it best taken?

  • Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
  • Take last dose at least a few hours before bed to avoid inability to sleep.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • This medicine may also be taken on an as needed basis depending on relief of symptoms, duration of cold, or allergy.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Wear disease medical alert identification for allergies.
  • Increased activity or inability to sleep may be seen in children.
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, rapid heartbeats, and anxiety.
  • Phenylpropanolamine can cause insomnia.
  • Not for coughs due to smoking, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you have lung disease. You may be more sensitive to medicine.
  • Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Dizziness. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Inability to sleep, nervousness and excitability, and restlessness.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.


What should I monitor?

  • Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the same?


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pains, fast heartbeats, passing out, fainting, or severe headache.
  • If cough continues for more than 1 week or tends to return.
  • Severe headache.
  • Too tired or sleepy.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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