$Unique_ID{BRK03290} $Pretitle{} $Title{phenylpropanolamine, phenylephrine, and brompheniramine combination} $Subject{Bromophen Rugby Bromtapp Extended Tabs Blue Cross Dimetapp Extentabs Robins Normatane Elixir Vortech Tamine SR Geneva Generics Veltap Elixir Lannett Adrenergic decongestant antihistamine phenylpropanolamine phenylephrine brompheniramine upper respiratory tract infections hay fever allergies sinusitis inflammation sinuses constricting narrowing blood vessels nasal passages swelling histamine allergic reaction} $Volume{} $Log{ Dimetapp Extentabs*0329001.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. phenylpropanolamine, phenylephrine, and brompheniramine combination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Bromophen T.D. (Rugby) brompheniramine, phenylephrine, and phenypropanolamine (Lederle) Bromtapp Extended Tabs (Blue Cross) Dimetapp Extentabs [*] (Robins) Normatane Elixir (Vortech) Tamine SR (Geneva Generics) Veltap Elixir (Lannett) * Recently reformulated Dimetapp does not contain phenylephrine and is available without a prescription. TYPE OF DRUG Adrenergic (decongestant) and antihistamine INGREDIENTS phenylpropanolamine, phenylephrine, and brompheniramine DOSAGE FORMS Sustained-release tablets (15 mg phenylpropanolamine, 15 mg phenylephrine, and 12 mg brompheniramine; recently reformulated Dimetapp Extentabs contain 75 mg phenylpropanolamine and 12 mg brompheniramine, but no phenylephrine) Oral elixir (5 mg phenylpropanolamine, 5 mg phenylephrine, 4 mg brompheniramine per 5-ml spoonful, with 2.3% or 3% alcohol) STORAGE The tablets and oral elixir should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers. This medication should never be frozen. USES This drug combination is used to relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, hay fever and other allergies, and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses). Phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine 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. Brompheniramine belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines, which block the actions of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction. TREATMENT In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take phenylpropanolamine, phenylephrine, and brompheniramine combination with food or with a full glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). The oral elixir form of this medication should be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. The sustained-release tablets should be swallowed whole. Breaking, chewing, or crushing these tablets destroys their sustained-release activity and may increase the side effects. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it 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; decreased sweating; vomiting; or weakness. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). 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 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 drug interacts with several other medications: 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 may be increased by digoxin or by over-the-counter (nonprescription) allergy, asthma, cough, cold, diet, or sinus preparations. 4. The blood-pressure-lowering effects of guanethidine may be decreased by this medication. 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, to other antihistamines (such as azatadine, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, cyproheptadine, dexchlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, pyrilamine, trimeprazine, tripelennamine, and triprolidine), or to phenylpropanolamine, phenylephrine, or other adrenergic agents (such as albuterol, amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, norepinephrine, pseudoephedrine, and terbutaline). * 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 this drug can reduce sweating and heat release from the body, avoid excessive work and exercise in hot weather, and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas. * This medication can cause drowsiness. Your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery, may be decreased. Appropriate caution should, therefore, be taken. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. 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.