Bromfed is the brand name for a combination drug containing brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine. It is an oral medication used to relieve symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, the common cold, sinus congestion, and respiratory tract congestion. Bromfed is available over-the-counter without a prescription.
Bromfed contains two active ingredients: brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine. Brompheniramine is an antihistamine that inhibits the effects of histamine, a natural chemical in the body that is involved in allergic reactions. By blocking histamine’s effects, brompheniramine provides relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and other allergy symptoms.
Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant that constricts blood vessels in the nasal passages, shrinking swollen nasal tissues and opening up airways. This provides temporary relief from congestion and makes breathing easier.
So in summary, Bromfed combines an antihistamine (brompheniramine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) into one medication that relieves multiple symptoms caused by allergies, colds, sinus infections, and other respiratory conditions.
What drug class is brompheniramine?
Brompheniramine belongs to the drug class of alkylamine antihistamines. Antihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine in the body and provide relief from allergy symptoms.
Specifically, brompheniramine is classified as a first-generation alkylamine antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines are some of the earliest developed antihistamines and are able to cross the blood-brain barrier. This class includes drugs like brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), clemastine (Tavist), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
The “alkylamine” designation refers to the chemical structure of these antihistamines. They contain an alkylamine functional group, which allows them to block histamine’s effects on H1 histamine receptors. This provides allergy symptom relief.
So in summary, brompheniramine belongs to the class of first-generation alkylamine antihistamines. As an antihistamine, it blocks histamine and provides relief from runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. The alkylamine structure allows it to effectively bind to H1 receptors.
What drug class is pseudoephedrine?
Pseudoephedrine belongs to the drug class of sympathomimetic decongestants. Sympathomimetics mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, part of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system.
Specifically, pseudoephedrine is classified as an indirect sympathomimetic amine. Indirect sympathomimetics work by stimulating the release of norepinephrine, a chemical messenger that causes constriction of blood vessels.
When pseudoephedrine is taken, it causes the nasal mucosa (lining of the nasal passages) to shrink, opening up nasal airways and relieving congestion. This makes breathing easier.
Other sympathomimetic decongestants include phenylephrine and oxymetazoline (Afrin). These medications work the same way, stimulating receptors that constrict swollen nasal blood vessels.
So in summary, pseudoephedrine belongs to the class of indirect sympathomimetic decongestants. It mimics norepinephrine activity to shrink swollen nasal tissues and provide temporary relief from nasal and sinus congestion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bromfed is a combination drug that contains two active ingredients in different medication classes:
– Brompheniramine is a first-generation alkylamine antihistamine that blocks histamine’s effects to relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.
– Pseudoephedrine is an indirect sympathomimetic decongestant that constricts swollen nasal blood vessels to open up airways and provide congestion relief.
Together, the antihistamine and decongestant properties of Bromfed provide broad relief from multiple upper respiratory symptoms caused by allergies, colds, sinus infections, and other conditions. The two ingredients attack congestion and allergy issues through different mechanisms of action for more comprehensive symptomatic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side effects of Bromfed?
Common side effects of Bromfed may include:
– Drowsiness
– Dizziness
– Headaches
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Loss of appetite
– Restlessness
– Nervousness
– Sleep problems (insomnia)
– Dry mouth
– Constipation
– Diarrhea
– Excitability (especially in children)
Bromfed may also cause difficulty urinating in men with enlarged prostates. Seek medical attention if you experience serious side effects like severe insomnia, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, muscle weakness, dark urine, loss of appetite, or jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes).
Who should not take Bromfed?
Bromfed should not be taken by people who have:
– Allergies to brompheniramine, pseudoephedrine, or any other ingredients in Bromfed
– Glaucoma
– Enlarged prostate
– Hypertension or heart conditions
– Thyroid disease
– Diabetes
– Taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days
– Pregnancy or breastfeeding (unless doctor approved)
Bromfed should be used with caution in the elderly due to increased risk of side effects like excitability, insomnia, and fast heartbeat. It is also not recommended for use in children under 12 years old.
How long does Bromfed take to work?
Bromfed typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes after being taken. The effects can last up to 6 to 8 hours.
The brompheniramine antihistamine component provides rapid allergy symptom relief, while the pseudoephedrine decongestant takes slightly longer to shrink swollen nasal tissues (around 30 to 45 minutes).
Maximum decongestant effects occur 1 to 2 hours after taking Bromfed. After 6 to 8 hours, congestion may start to return as the medication wears off.
Can Bromfed be taken with other medications?
It’s important to be cautious about taking Bromfed with certain other medications, including:
– Antidepressants like SSRIs and MAO inhibitors – may increase risk of serotonin syndrome
– Heart medications like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers – may increase heart rate/blood pressure risk
– Sedating drugs like tranquilizers, sleep aids or codeine – may cause excessive drowsiness
– Diuretics – may decrease their effectiveness
– Appetite suppressants – may increase risk of side effects
Always let your doctor know about any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you may be taking before starting Bromfed. It’s a good idea to space out doses of any other medications by 2 to 3 hours from when you take Bromfed to avoid possible interactions.
Is it safe to take Bromfed while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Bromfed has not been well studied for safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so potential risks are not fully known. Pseudoephedrine does appear able to cross the placenta during pregnancy and enter breast milk.
For this reason, Bromfed is typically avoided during pregnancy unless a doctor feels the benefits outweigh potential risks. Excessive use is not recommended while breastfeeding.
As always, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should speak to their obstetrician or pediatrician before taking Bromfed or any other medications. Safe non-drug congestion relief options may be recommended instead.
