Brom pseudo DM syrup is an over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine used to relieve cough and throat irritation. It contains two active ingredients – brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine – that work together to suppress coughs and loosen mucus.
What are the ingredients in Brom pseudo DM syrup?
The two main active ingredients in Brom pseudo DM syrup are:
- Brompheniramine: This is an antihistamine that helps reduce coughing by drying up excessive secretions in the respiratory tract.
- Pseudoephedrine: This is a decongestant that shrinks swollen nasal membranes and makes it easier to clear mucus.
Inactive ingredients include:
- Sorbitol: A sugar alcohol that acts as a sweetener and thickening agent.
- Propylene glycol: Helps dissolve and stabilize the active ingredients.
- Glycerin: Added to provide thickness and improve palatability.
- Flavorings like cherry or orange.
- Purified water.
- Preservatives like methylparaben and propylparaben.
What are the uses and benefits of Brom pseudo DM syrup?
Brom pseudo DM syrup has the following uses and benefits:
- Relieves coughs caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation or inflammation.
- Thins and loosens mucus, making coughs more productive.
- Suppresses coughing by reducing reflexes that trigger coughs.
- Decongests stuffed up noses and sinuses.
- Alleviates nasal congestion from colds, flu, and allergies.
- Provides temporary relief for up to 6 hours.
How does Brom pseudo DM syrup work?
Brom pseudo DM contains two medicines that work in different ways:
- Brompheniramine is an antihistamine that blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. Histamine triggers runny nose, watery eyes, and coughing/sneezing. By blocking histamine effects, brompheniramine dries up secretions in the nose, throat, and chest to suppress coughs.
- Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that constricts blood vessels in the nasal passages and sinuses. This shrinks swollen tissues and opens up airways to relieve congestion and improve airflow. It also stimulates the heart and central nervous system.
Together, these two medications combat coughs and congestion – brompheniramine dries up excess mucus production while pseudoephedrine clears passages for mucus drainage. The cough suppressant and decongestant effects provide temporary relief of cough and cold symptoms.
What are the side effects of Brom pseudo DM syrup?
Possible side effects of Brom pseudo DM syrup may include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness, excitability
- Trouble sleeping
- Stomach pain
- Mild nosebleeds
- Rapid heart rate, palpitations
- Increased blood pressure
Children may experience paradoxical reactions like hyperactivity and excitability. Brom pseudo DM syrup should not be given to children under 4 years old.
Contact your doctor if side effects persist or worsen. Seek immediate medical care if you have signs of an allergic reaction like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
What are the dosage instructions for Brom pseudo DM syrup?
The recommended dosage instructions for Brom pseudo DM syrup are:
| Age | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and children 12 years or older | 10-20 mL (2-4 tsp) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 6 doses (120 mL) in 24 hours. |
| Children 6-11 years | 5-10 mL (1-2 tsp) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 6 doses (60 mL) in 24 hours. |
| Children 4-5 years | 5 mL (1 tsp) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 4 doses (20 mL) in 24 hours. |
Measure doses carefully using the measuring cup or oral syringe provided. Do not give to children under 4 years old. Speak to your doctor before giving this medication to children under 12 years old.
How long does Brom pseudo DM syrup take to work?
Brom pseudo DM syrup typically starts working within 30-60 minutes after taking a dose. The cough-relieving and decongestant effects tend to peak within 1-2 hours.
The antihistamine brompheniramine reaches full effect in 1-2 hours and provides relief for 4-6 hours. The decongestant pseudoephedrine takes effect in 30-60 minutes and works for 4-6 hours.
You may need to take 2-3 doses throughout the day to maintain relief of cough and congestion symptoms. The duration of action may vary between individuals.
How long does Brom pseudo DM syrup last?
The therapeutic effects of a single dose of Brom pseudo DM syrup can last up to 6 hours. However, the duration of action may be shorter in some people.
Brompheniramine has an active half-life of 2-4 hours. This means its cough-suppressing effects reduce by 50% over 2-4 hours before wearing off.
Pseudoephedrine has a half-life of 4-6 hours. Its decongestant effects diminish by 50% over 4-6 hours.
Typically, the cough and nasal congestion relief lasts about 4-6 hours after the last dose. You may need to take it every 4-6 hours during the day to sustain the effects.
Can you take Brom pseudo DM syrup with other medications?
Brom pseudo DM syrup may interact with certain medications. Tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking before using this cough syrup.
Interactions may occur with:
- Antidepressants like MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs
- Blood pressure medications
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Thyroid medications
- Asthma or allergy medications
- CNS depressants like sedatives, tranquilizers
- Narcotic pain relievers
- Other decongestants
Concurrent use may increase risk of side effects or cause excessive sedation. Avoid alcohol while taking this cough syrup as it can make you very drowsy.
Is there anyone who should not take Brom pseudo DM syrup?
Brom pseudo DM syrup should not be used by:
- Children under 4 years old
- People with glaucoma or enlarged prostate
- People taking antidepressants called MAOIs
- People with hyperthyroidism or coronary artery disease
- People with arrhythmias, high blood pressure, heart disease
- Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant
You should not use Brom pseudo DM syrup if you have a chronic cough such as occurs with smoking, emphysema, asthma, or bronchitis. Consult your doctor first in such cases.
Talk to your doctor before using this product if you have diabetes, overactive thyroid, seizure disorder, or difficulty urinating due to enlarged prostate gland.
Can Brom pseudo DM syrup be used for chronic coughs?
No, Brom pseudo DM syrup should only be used for temporary relief of coughs caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation.
It is not recommended for chronic coughs occurring with smoking, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or other underlying lung conditions. The cough suppressant can worsen coughs associated with excess mucus production.
Persistent chronic coughs need to be evaluated by a doctor. Using cough medicines containing codeine or hydrocodone long-term can be habit-forming and unsuitable.
Brom pseudo DM syrup provides short-term cough relief. See your doctor if your cough lasts more than 1 week or returns frequently. You may need treatment for an underlying illness.
What should I do if I take too much Brom pseudo DM syrup?
An overdose of Brom pseudo DM syrup can be serious. Seek emergency medical help if you have taken too much of this medication.
Overdose symptoms may include:
- Drowsiness, sedation
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Clumsiness or unsteady movement
- Severe headache
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Fever
A child who has overdosed may exhibit sudden excitability or abnormal drowsiness. Seek emergency care immediately if an overdose is suspected.
Try to keep the person awake and give them sips of water if able to swallow. Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so by poison control or a healthcare provider.
Does Brom pseudo DM syrup cause drowsiness or make you sleepy?
Yes, one of the most common side effects of Brom pseudo DM syrup is drowsiness. The antihistamine brompheniramine has sedating effects that can make you feel very sleepy.
This drowsiness may impair physical and mental abilities. Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Avoid alcohol while taking Brom pseudo DM syrup, as it can enhance the sedative effects and make drowsiness worse. Ask your doctor if you can take the non-drowsy formulation instead.
Take doses in the evening or at bedtime if daytime sleepiness is problematic. The drowsiness tends to diminish over a few days as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Can I drive after taking Brom pseudo DM syrup?
You should use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery after taking Brom pseudo DM syrup until you know how it affects you.
The antihistamine can cause considerable drowsiness, slowed reflexes, and blurred vision in some people. This increases the risk of accidents.
Wait to see how one dose impacts you first before driving. Avoid driving or hazardous activity if you feel very sleepy. For some, the drowsiness may persist for several hours.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication, as it can worsen the sedative effects. Speak to your doctor if the drowsiness is too strong and interferes with your daily activities.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Brom pseudo DM syrup?
No, avoid alcohol while taking Brom pseudo DM syrup. Consuming alcohol can increase the risk of central nervous system side effects like severe drowsiness, impaired coordination, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
Alcohol enhances the sedating effects of the antihistamine brompheniramine in the cough syrup. Even small amounts of alcohol can trigger excessive sedation when combined with this medication.
Drinking alcohol while taking this cough medicine also increases the risk of overdose as both depress the CNS. It may be best to refrain from alcohol until you finish your course of this medication.
Does Brom pseudo DM syrup make you test positive for drugs or amphetamines?
Brom pseudo DM syrup contains the decongestant pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is chemically related to amphetamines and can trigger a positive result on certain drug tests.
Urine drug screens that check for amphetamines may come back positive after taking this cough medicine. This does NOT mean you have taken illegal amphetamines like methamphetamine.
Let your employer or the drug testing personnel know that you are taking this cough syrup, which contains pseudoephedrine. Provide evidence like the medication box. Ensure your medical record also states the use of this cough medicine.
How should I store Brom pseudo DM syrup?
Brom pseudo DM syrup should be stored properly to retain effectiveness and prevent misuse:
- Store at room temperature away from excess heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not freeze or refrigerate the syrup.
- Throw away any unused syrup after the expiry date printed on the label.
- Consult a pharmacist on how to properly dispose of old or leftover cough syrup.
Take this medication only as directed by your doctor. Never share or give this cough syrup to others, even if they have similar symptoms.
Is there anything else I should know about Brom pseudo DM syrup?
- Shake the bottle well before each dose to properly mix the active ingredients.
- Measure doses carefully using the measuring cup or oral syringe provided.
- If your cough persists more than 1 week, worsens, or returns, stop use and consult a doctor.
- Contact your doctor if side effects like rapid heartbeat, nervousness, or insomnia occur.
- Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated while taking this medication.
- Drink plenty of fluids and limit intake of caffeine while using this product.
As with any medication, take Brom pseudo DM syrup as directed and tell your doctor about any concerning side effects. Do not increase dosage or frequency unless advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
