Imagine that you have a bad cold, your nose is blocked, and you can't stop sneezing. Or you have an allergy and feel like you're going to die. Today we are going to talk about a medicine that our doctors often recommend to us at times like this. This is a combination of two medicines.
What are Brompheniramine and Pseudoephedrine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. One is Brompheniramine . This belongs to the group of antihistamines . This medication works by controlling the chemical histamine that our body produces during allergies, thereby controlling symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
The other medicine is Pseudoephedrine . This is a type of decongestant . This means that when you have a cold, it causes the blood vessels inside your nose to swell, reducing nasal congestion and making it easier to breathe.
So when these two are combined, we get relief from many of the annoying symptoms of allergies and colds. But one thing to remember is that this medicine only controls the symptoms. It does not cure an infection in your body.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medication to you, it is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history. Be sure to tell him/her about any of the following conditions:
| Health condition/problem | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Asthma | Sometimes breathing difficulties may increase. |
| Diabetes | May affect blood sugar levels. |
| Glaucoma condition | There is a possibility of increasing eye pressure. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | Blood pressure and heart rate can increase. |
| Thyroid disease | Symptoms may worsen. |
| Difficulty urinating | This medicine may make the condition worse. |
| Stomach ulcers or other problems | Stomach discomfort may occur. |
| If you have taken an MAOI medication within the past 14 days | These are medications used to treat depression. Taking them together can cause dangerous reactions. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the baby. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or dyes | You should be aware of the possibility of an allergic reaction to this medicine. |
How should I use the medicine?
This medicine should be used exactly as the doctor tells you.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- These usually come in extended-release form. This means that the medicine is designed to be absorbed into the body over time. So do not break, crush, or chew the pill.If you do that, the medicine may enter the body at once and the side effects may increase.
- If you feel like you're having an upset stomach, take it with a meal. Or it's okay to take it without food.
- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Do not take it frequently without consulting a doctor.
When given to young children and the elderly
If you are giving this medicine to children, you should talk to a pediatrician and follow their instructions. Also, if you are over 65 years of age, the reaction to this medicine may be a little harsher. Therefore, they may need a lower dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, alcohol, and tobacco use, because some things can interact with this medication.
| Avoid taking Brompheniramine; Pseudoephedrine with these medications | |
|---|---|
| MAOI type medication (used for depression) | Severe hypertensive conditions can occur. |
| Stimulant medications (ADHD, weight loss) | Heart rate and blood pressure can increase dangerously. |
| Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking these. | |
| |
Things to consider when taking medication
- Dry mouth: Your mouth may feel dry. This can be controlled by chewing sugarless gum, sucking on sugarless candy, and drinking plenty of water.
- Effects on the eyes: This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, this may be uncomfortable. Using lubricating drops may provide relief. If this problem persists, see an eye doctor.
Very important: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . So, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Also, avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can make you feel very drowsy.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone does.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| |
| Things that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|
How should you store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children. This medicine can be fatal if accidentally ingested by an adult, child, or pet.
- Store the bottle tightly closed in a dry place, away from light, at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
- Do not use expired medicine. Mix any leftover, unused medicine with something like coffee grounds or cat litter and put it in a tightly sealed coffee can, such as a coffee can, and throw it away.
Take-Home Message
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole.
- The medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving and drinking alcohol.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to others.
- If any severe side effects occur, seek medical advice immediately.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Brompheniramine; Pseudoephedrine / Dimetapp? Is it a syrup/tablet?
This is a highly effective combination medicine that provides immediate relief from 'colds and severe allergies/common cold' in most children and adults. It completely stops nasal congestion/congestion, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, and sneezing.
💬 How do these two medicines (Antihistamine + Decongestant) together cure a cold?
It attacks from both sides! 1. Brompheniramine - This (Antihistamine) blocks/stops the 'Histamine' released by your body, which dries out your itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. 2. Pseudoephedrine - This (Decongestant) shrinks/contracts the swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages, completely reducing the swelling inside your nose and making it easier to breathe.
💬 What are the dangerous side effects of taking this drug combination?
The biggest danger is the problem caused by Pseudoephedrine (Decongestant). This can cause rapid chest beating and an abnormally high 'blood pressure (Hypertension)' (High BP/Heart Rate). Therefore, these are prohibited for those with blood pressure problems/heart problems! On the other hand, due to the Brompheniramine group, it will definitely cause unbearable drowsiness, dry mouth/throat, and difficulty urinating (Anticholinergic effects).
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