Have you ever had a runny nose, itchy eyes, or a rash all over your body? When you experience symptoms of an allergy like this, one of the main medications that doctors often prescribe is an antihistamine . Today, we're talking about a very commonly used medication called Dexbrompheniramine.
Simply put, what is Dexbrompheniramine?
Dexbrompheniramine is a medicine that is used to control symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing , runny or stuffy nose, and itchy eyes. It belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines.
Imagine that there is a little messenger called ' Histamine ' inside our body. When we are allergic to something, this messenger runs around and tells all parts of our body, "Here is a problem, hurry up and sneeze, start running your nose, start scratching your skin." Dexbrompheniramine pills do a very simple thing. That is, they stop this naughty messenger (histamine) for a while, and stop its work. Then the annoying symptoms of that allergy gradually decrease and you start to feel relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication for you, it is very important to inform him about any other medical conditions you may have. Especially if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell him about them.
- If you have any intestinal obstruction.
- If you have glaucoma.
- If you have a lung disease like asthma or COPD .
- If you have prostate disease.
- If you have stomach ulcers or other digestive system problems.
- If you are allergic to this Dexbrompheniramine medicine or any other medicine, food, or food coloring.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Do not hide this information from your doctor, as using Dexbrompheniramine with these conditions may cause other complications.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine with a glass of water. Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as your doctor has instructed you. Follow the instructions on the prescription.
When given to young children and the elderly
Usually, the doctor may prescribe this medicine for children over 6 years of age in some special cases. But you need to be very careful about it. Do not give even a little more than the dosage the doctor recommends.
Also, people over the age of 65 may feel the effects of this medication a little stronger, so they are often prescribed a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, that is, more than the prescribed dose, do not delay . Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to a friend who has the same symptoms as you. What works for one person may not work for another.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Dexbrompheniramine can interact with some other medications and substances, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Type of medicine/substance | Description and things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | It can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication. |
| Medicine that calms the mind and induces sleep | Taking Dexbrompheniramine with these medications may increase drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Some medications for depression | For example, medications like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and sertraline. |
| Medicine for fits/epilepsy | Examples include phenobarbital, primidone. |
| Opioids | When taken together, the risk of drowsiness and breathing difficulties increases. |
| Other types of antihistamines | Other cough and cold medications may also contain antihistamines. Taking two of the same type of medication together can increase side effects. |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness: This medicine may make you feel a little drowsy and sleepy . It may also slow down your reaction time. Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine.
- Dizziness: You may feel dizzy when you stand up suddenly from a sitting position. This is called postural hypotension. To prevent this, stand up slowly.
- Dry mouth: It is common to experience dry mouth while taking this medication. This can be alleviated by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water. However, if this problem persists or is severe, talk to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Dexbrompheniramine can cause some side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| A severe allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these signs. |
| Sudden change in eyes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing colored rings around lights, and loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating or no urination. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Confusion | It can occur especially in older people. |
| Constipation | Dry stomach. |
| Drowsiness/dizziness | It is a common condition that occurs in many people. |
| Dry mouth | This is a common condition that occurs when taking medication. |
How should I store and dispose of the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
When disposing of expired or unused medications, never flush them down the toilet. It's not good for our environment. If you're not sure, ask your doctor about it. If you're going to throw them in the trash, take the pills out of their packaging, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and put them in a tightly sealed bag and throw them in the trash. This way, you can safely dispose of them without children or animals getting into them.
Take-Home Message
- Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine that controls the symptoms of allergies.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Avoid driving and operating machinery that requires alertness, as this may cause drowsiness.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication as it can make the side effects worse.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe side effects such as skin swelling, difficulty breathing, or changes in vision.
- Always keep medicines safely out of the reach of children.
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