Brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other respiratory illnesses. It contains three active ingredients: brompheniramine, pseudoephedrine, and dextromethorphan.
What is brompheniramine?
Brompheniramine is an antihistamine that helps relieve watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, runny nose, and sneezing caused by allergies, the common cold, or other upper respiratory allergies. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a natural substance in the body that is released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. This prevents histamine from binding to receptors and causing allergy symptoms.
What is pseudoephedrine?
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. This helps relieve congestion, sinus pressure, and sinus headaches caused by colds, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses. By constricting blood vessels, it reduces swelling and inflammation in the sinuses and nasal passages, allowing you to breathe more easily.
What is dextromethorphan (DM)?
Dextromethorphan (DM) is a cough suppressant that helps control coughing. It works by depressing the cough center in the brain, reducing the urge to cough. Dextromethorphan provides temporary relief for coughs caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation from colds, inhaled irritants, or allergies. It will not treat an underlying cause of a cough, such as asthma or emphysema.
What are the uses and benefits of brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup?
The combination of brompheniramine, pseudoephedrine, and dextromethorphan in this syrup provides multi-symptom relief for conditions like:
- Common cold
- Flu
- Hay fever
- Allergic rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy/watery eyes
- Itchy nose, throat, or roof of mouth
- Cough
- Post-nasal drip
- Chest congestion
- Headaches from sinus pressure
The brompheniramine antihistamine component provides relief for allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. The pseudoephedrine decongestant shrinks swollen nasal passages. And the DM cough suppressant reduces coughing. Using all three medications allows this syrup to target multiple cold and allergy symptoms at once.
How is brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup used?
This syrup is an oral medication that is swallowed. The typical recommended dosage for adults and children over 12 years is:
- 10 ml every 4 to 6 hours
- Do not exceed 6 doses (60 ml) in 24 hours
For children 6 to under 12 years old, the dosage is:
- 5 ml every 4 to 6 hours
- Do not exceed 6 doses (30 ml) in 24 hours
This medication should only be used under medical supervision in children under 6 years old. Always follow the dosage instructions on your prescription label. Measure doses carefully using an oral syringe, dosing cup, or medicine spoon.
Take this syrup with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Try to space doses evenly throughout the day. Only take this medication as needed for symptoms. Do not take more often or at higher doses than prescribed.
What are the side effects of brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup?
Possible side effects of brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Blurred vision
- Restlessness or excitability (especially in children)
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
Pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan may cause more serious side effects if taken in larger doses than recommended or with alcohol. Seek medical help if you experience severe side effects like:
- Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Muscle twitching
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Rash
Who should not take brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup?
You should avoid using this syrup if you have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications. Do not use this product if you:
- Have high blood pressure or heart problems
- Have diabetes
- Have glaucoma
- Have hyperthyroidism
- Have enlarged prostate
- Take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken one in the last 14 days
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 4 years old due to the risk of serious side effects. Ask a doctor before use if you have:
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland
- Cough that occurs with too much phlegm
Let your doctor know about any medical conditions and all medications you take before using brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup. The decongestant effects may cause issues for some conditions. The drowsiness caused by the antihistamine could enhance side effects of other medications that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, anxiety medicines, seizure medications, muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, and opioids.
What precautions should be taken when using brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup?
Some precautions to keep in mind when using this syrup include:
- Avoid alcohol while taking this syrup, as it can enhance drowsiness and dizziness.
- This medicine may impair your mental and physical abilities. Use caution when performing tasks that require coordination and alertness, like driving or using machinery.
- Do not take this syrup closer to bedtime, as it may interfere with sleep.
- Do not crush, break, or chew extended-release tablets – swallow them whole.
- Consult your doctor before taking this syrup if you have a breathing disorder like asthma or COPD.
- Let your doctor know if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen while taking this medication.
- See a doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash, ongoing headache, or irregular heartbeat when using this syrup.
How does brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup work in the body?
This combination syrup works through the mechanisms of action of its three active ingredients:
- Brompheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of histamine, the chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. This prevents runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms.
- Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that constricts blood vessels in the nasal passages, which shrinks swollen nasal tissues. This provides sinus congestion and pressure relief.
- Dextromethorphan (DM) is an antitussive, or cough suppressant. It works on the cough center in the brain to suppress the urge to cough.
By using multiple medications that work in different ways, this syrup provides relief for multiple cold and allergy symptoms at the same time.
How long does it take for brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup to work?
Brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup starts working within an hour after taking a dose. The effects provide temporary symptom relief and typically last for 4 to 6 hours. The decongestant effects of pseudoephedrine tend to provide the fastest relief, opening up nasal passages within 30 to 60 minutes. The antihistamine effects build up over a few hours, with brompheniramine reaching peak levels 2 to 4 hours after a dose. The antitussive effects also build up over time, with dextromethorphan suppressing coughs within 1 to 2 hours.
How long can you safely take brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup?
You should only take brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup for a short amount of time based on your symptoms. It is intended for temporary relief and should not be used for more than 1 week unless advised by your doctor.
Prolonged use can cause rebound congestion, meaning symptoms like stuffy nose and chest congestion may return worse when you stop taking it. Taking pseudoephedrine for longer than 3 days in a row can also lead to dependence and interfering with sleep. Speak to your doctor if symptoms continue beyond 1 week of treatment with this syrup.
Does brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup have any drug interactions?
Yes, brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup can potentially interact with several prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Possible interactions include:
- Antidepressants like citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine – Increased risk of serotonin syndrome
- Diuretics like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide – Decreased effectiveness of the diuretic
- Beta blockers like metoprolol, propranolol – Increased blood pressure
- Digoxin – Increased risk of adverse effects
- Warfarin – Altered bleeding risk
- Sedatives like zolpidem, diazepam – Enhanced sedation effects
- Stimulants like amphetamine, caffeine – Decreased efficacy of the stimulant
- Methyldopa – Increased blood pressure
The above does not cover all possible interactions. Let your doctor know about all medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Interactions are possible with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, anticholinergics, anticoagulants, and medications that affect blood pressure or heart rate.
What are some alternatives to brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup?
Some over-the-counter alternatives for symptom relief include:
- Saline nasal spray for congestion
- Oral antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine for allergies
- Guaifenesin expectorant for chest congestion
- Throat lozenges or sprays for sore throat
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches, pains, and fever
- Plain dextromethorphan cough syrup for coughs
For persistent or severe symptoms, see your doctor for prescription medication options. They may be able to prescribe an intranasal steroid spray for congestion or alternative antihistamine or decongestant formulas. Your doctor can help identify the most appropriate medications based on your health history and symptoms.
Summary
Brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup contains a combination of three medications used for relief of symptoms caused by colds, allergies, and respiratory illnesses. The brompheniramine acts as an antihistamine, pseudoephedrine as a nasal decongestant, and dextromethorphan as an antitussive. Together they provide temporary relief for runny nose, congestion, sneezing, coughs, watery eyes, sinus pressure, and associated headaches. This syrup should only be used for short periods as directed without exceeding the recommended dosing. See a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 1 week or become severe. Be sure to notify your doctor of any medical conditions or medications you take, as interactions are possible with brompheniramine pseudoephedrine DM syrup.
