Dimetane Extentab
Generic Name: brompheniramine (brome feh NEER a meen)
Brand Names: BroveX, BroveX CT, Dimetane, Dimetane Extentab, Dimetapp Allergy, Dimetapp Allergy Liquigel, Lodrane 12 Hour
What is Dimetane Extentab (brompheniramine)?
Brompheniramine is an antihistamine. Brompheniramine blocks the effects of the naturally
occurring chemical histamine in the body.
Brompheniramine is used to sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes;
itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.
Brompheniramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What is the most important information I should know about
Dimetane Extentab (brompheniramine)?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Brompheniramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
brompheniramine.
Do not crush, chew, or break the extended- or timed-release forms of brompheniramine.
Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
Dimetane Extentab (brompheniramine)?
Do not take brompheniramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the
last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Before taking brompheniramine, talk to your doctor if you have
-
glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;
-
a stomach ulcer;
-
an enlarged prostate, bladder problems or difficulty
urinating;
-
an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
-
hypertension or any type of heart problems; or
-
asthma.
You may not be able to take brompheniramine, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
Brompheniramine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether brompheniramine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take brompheniramine
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Brompheniramine passes into breast milk. Infants are especially sensitive to the effects
of antihistamines, and serious side effects could occur in a nursing infant. Do not take
brompheniramine without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby.
If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from
brompheniramine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
How should I take Dimetane Extentab (brompheniramine)?
Take brompheniramine exactly as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Brompheniramine can be taken with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, or break the extended- or timed-release forms of brompheniramine.
Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of brompheniramine with a
special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed or is recommended on the
package. The maximum amount of brompheniramine that you should take in 1 day is 24 mg. The
regular-release tablets and the syrup are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed (four to six times
a day). The sustained-release tablets and capsules are usually taken every 8 to 12 hours as needed
(two or three times a day). If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, contact your
healthcare provider.
Store brompheniramine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not
take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a brompheniramine overdose may include extreme sleepiness, confusion,
weakness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, large pupils, dry mouth, flushing, fever, shaking,
insomnia, hallucinations, and possibly seizures.
What should I avoid while taking Dimetane Extentab (brompheniramine)?
Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications
while taking brompheniramine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications
may also contain brompheniramine or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much
of these medicines.
Brompheniramine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines,
and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if brompheniramine
is taken with any of these medications.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
brompheniramine.
Dimetane Extentab (brompheniramine) side effects
Stop taking brompheniramine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a
rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips,
tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
brompheniramine and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness;
-
headache;
-
dry mouth; or
-
difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Dimetane Extentab (brompheniramine)?
Do not take brompheniramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the
last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications
while taking brompheniramine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications
may also contain brompheniramine or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much
of these medicines.
Brompheniramine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines,
and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if brompheniramine
is taken with any of these medications.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with brompheniramine. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has more information about brompheniramine written for health
professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Brompheniramine is available both with a prescription and over-the-counter generically and
under several brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication,
especially if it is new to you.
-
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
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date,
and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has
been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses
outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs,
diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare
practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the
expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in
no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum
does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The
information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic
reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01. Revision Date: 2/13/04 2:25:15 PM.
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