Sometimes when you wake up in the morning, you sneeze about fifty times in a row, right? Or you may be familiar with things like a stuffy nose, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. Brompheniramine is a medicine that doctors often prescribe for allergy symptoms like this, and many people know it. So today, in this article, we will talk about this medicine, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Brompheniramine?
Simply put, when something we are allergic to, such as dust, enters our body, our immune system produces a chemical called histamine. This histamine is what causes the sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and nose.
So this medicine called Brompheniramine blocks the action of that histamine. That's why we call these 'antihistamine' medicines. This is what controls your allergy symptoms.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, if you have any of the following medical conditions before using Brompheniramine, you should definitely tell your doctor about it.
| Your medical condition | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Asthma | This medicine can cause discomfort for asthma patients because it can thicken respiratory secretions. |
| Glaucoma | This medicine may increase eye pressure, which can worsen glaucoma. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | This medicine can affect heart rate and blood pressure. |
| Prostate diseases | This can further increase difficulty urinating. |
| Stomach ulcer | In some cases, symptoms may worsen. |
| Use of MAOI drugs | The use of these two drugs together is strictly prohibited, as this can cause a very dangerous reaction . |
| Thyroid diseases | It is important to inform the doctor as the effects of the medication may vary. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to talk to the doctor about the possible effects on the child. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | It is important to seek medical advice, as the medicine can pass into the baby's body through breast milk. |
How should I use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple, but very important.
- Take the pill with a glass of water. Take it at the prescribed time, exactly as your doctor tells you.
- If you feel like you're getting an upset stomach, take it with a meal or a glass of milk.
- Important: This is an extended-release tablet. Therefore , never break, crush, or chew the tablet . Swallow the tablet whole with water. Failure to do so may cause the medicine to be released into the body too quickly, increasing the risk of side effects.
- This medicine is sometimes prescribed to children over the age of 6, but only under special care.
- If you are over 60 years old, you may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. Therefore, a lower dose may be prescribed.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't take it lightly. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Although it may be suitable for your symptoms, it may not be suitable for someone else. Therefore, never share your medicine with others.
Other things that may interact with the medication
Brompheniramine is a drug that can interact with other medications and alcohol, so it's important to be aware of this as well.
| Things to avoid/be careful about | Description |
|---|---|
| Absolutely prohibited (Do NOT take with) | |
| MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) | These are medications used to treat depression. Taking these two together can cause very serious, even life-threatening, reactions. |
| Other things that may interact (May interact with) | |
| Alcohol | It greatly increases side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Sleeping pills and medications for mental illness | This further increases drowsiness and central nervous system dysfunction. |
| Medicines for colds, coughs, or other allergies | Since these medications often contain antihistamines, overdose can cause side effects. |
| Blood pressure, barbiturates, and Parkinson's disease medications | The effectiveness of these medications may change or side effects may increase. |
This list is not exhaustive, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and even herbal products you take.
What are the side effects of taking this medicine?
Like any medicine, Brompheniramine can cause side effects. Some are normal, but some are things you should be very careful about.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, halos 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 | |
| Drowsiness/Dizziness | This is very common. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery. |
| Dry mouth, nose, throat | Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking more water may help. |
| Constipation | Eat fiber-rich foods and drink more water. |
| Confusion | This can be seen especially in older people. |
Take-Home Message
- Brompheniramine is an antihistamine that controls allergy symptoms.
- Since this is an extended-release tablet, never break, crush, or chew it. Swallow it whole.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially glaucoma, asthma, heart disease) and all other medications you are taking.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness . Therefore, avoid driving or performing hazardous activities while taking this medicine. Drinking alcohol can worsen this condition.
- If you experience any severe side effects, such as facial swelling, changes in vision, or difficulty urinating, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you take too much medicine, it is an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately.
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