$Unique_ID{BRK03286} $Pretitle{} $Title{phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, and guaifenesin combination} $Subject{Normatane Expectorant Vortech Adrenergic decongestant antihistamine expectorant phenylephrine phenylpropanolamine brompheniramine guaifenesin alcohol coughing congestion allergy common cold constricting narrowing blood vessels nasal passages swelling congestion histamine allergic reaction bronchial} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, and guaifenesin combination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Normatane Expectorant (Vortech) TYPE OF DRUG Adrenergic (decongestant), antihistamine, and expectorant INGREDIENTS phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, guaifenesin, and alcohol DOSAGE FORM Oral expectorant (5 mg phenylephrine, 5 mg phenylpropanolamine, 2 mg brompheniramine, and 100 mg guaifenesin per 5-ml spoonful, with 3.5% alcohol) STORAGE Phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, and guaifenesin combination should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in a tightly closed container. USES This drug combination is used to relieve the coughing and congestion of allergy and the common cold. Phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine belong to a group of drugs known as adrenergic agents (decongestants). They act by constricting (narrowing) blood vessels in the nasal passages, thereby reducing swelling and congestion. Brompheniramine belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines, which are used to relieve or prevent symptoms of allergy. Antihistamines block the actions of histamine, which is a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. Guaifenesin is an expectorant, a drug that loosens bronchial secretions. TREATMENT In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, and guaifenesin combination with food or with a full glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). The expectorant should be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Anxiety; blurred vision; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, and throat; heartburn; insomnia; irritability; loss of appetite; nasal congestion; nausea; restlessness; reduced sweating; vomiting; or weakness. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps, wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen. If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to reduce mouth dryness. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. In order to avoid difficulty in falling asleep, take the last dose of this medication several hours before bedtime. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about chest pain, confusion, convulsions, difficult or painful urination, difficulty in breathing, fainting, hallucinations, headaches, loss of coordination, mood changes, nosebleeds, palpitations, rash, severe abdominal pain, sore throat, or unusual bleeding or bruising. INTERACTIONS This medication interacts with several other drugs: 1. Concurrent use of it with central nervous system depressants (such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness. 2. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (isocarboxazid, pargyline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine and tricyclic antidepressants can increase the side effects of this medication. At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug and the use of an MAO inhibitor. 3. The side effects of the antihistamine part of this medication may be increased by quinidine, procainamide, haloperidol, and phenothiazine tranquilizers, and the side effects of the decongestant component can be increased by digoxin or over-the-counter (nonprescription) diet, allergy, asthma, cough, cold, or sinus preparations. 4. The blood-pressure-lowering effects of guanethidine may be decreased by phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, and guaifenesin combination. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to brompheniramine or other antihistamines (such as azatadine, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, cyproheptadine, dexchlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, pyrilamine, trimeprazine, tripelennamine, and triprolidine); to phenylpropanolamine, phenylephrine, or other adrenergic agents (such as albuterol, amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, norepinephrine, pseudoephedrine, and terbutaline); or to guaifenesin. * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, glaucoma, heart or blood vessel disease, hiatal hernia, high blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, obstructed bladder or intestinal tract, peptic ulcers, enlarged prostate gland, or thyroid disease. * Because phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, and guaifenesin combination can reduce sweating and heat release from the body, you should avoid excessive work and exercise in hot weather, and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas. * While you are taking this drug, drink at least eight glasses of water a day to help loosen bronchial secretions. * This medication can cause drowsiness. Exercise caution when performing tasks that require alertness. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The effects of this medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication pass into breast milk and may cause unusual excitement or irritability in nursing infants. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.