Runny nose, constant sneezing, red, itchy eyes... You're probably familiar with the symptoms of allergies, right? At times like these, a doctor might prescribe a medication called Dexbrompheniramine. So, today we'll talk about this medication, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Dexbrompheniramine?
Simply put, Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine . When our body experiences an allergy, it produces a chemical called histamine in response. This histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms we mentioned earlier, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
So what this Dexbrompheniramine medicine does is block the action of that histamine. Then the allergy symptoms gradually decrease and you feel relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, it is very important that you give him a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell him if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Condition/Occasion | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Digestive system obstructions | A blockage in the intestines or a related problem. |
| Glaucoma | An eye disease caused by increased eye pressure. |
| Lung or respiratory disease | Long-term respiratory problems such as asthma and COPD. |
| Prostate disease | A condition that causes difficulty urinating, especially in men. |
| Stomach ulcers | Conditions such as stomach inflammation and gastritis. |
| Allergies to other medications and foods | If you have previously been allergic to this medicine or any other medicine or food. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | During these times, any medication should be taken only on medical advice. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Because the ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How should I use the medicine?
Take this medicine with a glass of water. Take only the prescribed dose as directed by your doctor or on the medicine label. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
When given to children and the elderly
This medicine is usually given to children over 6 years of age in some cases, but only under the supervision of a doctor. Also, if you are over 65 years of age , your body may react a little more severely to this medicine. Therefore, they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
Overdose
If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, do not take it lightly. If this happens , immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to a friend just because they have the same illness as you. A medicine that works for one person may be dangerous for another.
Can there be problems with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, absolutely. Dexbrompheniramine can interact with some other medications you take and cause unwanted effects. For example, this medication can make you sleepy. If you are taking another medication that also makes you sleepy, taking both together can make the sleepiness unbearable and increase the risk of an accident.
Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) . You should especially avoid taking this medicine with the following:
- Alcohol
- Medications that calm the mind or induce sleep
- Some medications for depression (e.g. Amitriptyline, Fluoxetine)
- Medicines for epilepsy/ seizures (e.g. Phenobarbital)
- Medications given to induce sleep during surgery
- Painkillers (especially morphine)
- Other antihistamines for allergies, coughs, and colds
Things to consider when taking medication
1. Drowsiness and dizziness: Many people may feel drowsy or dizzy when taking this medication. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
2. Avoid getting up too quickly: When you get up from a sitting or lying position, don't get up suddenly. Especially if you are elderly, get up slowly. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
3. No alcohol: As we mentioned earlier, taking this medication with alcohol can make you feel very sleepy. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.
4. Dry mouth: This is a common side effect of this medication. If you feel like your mouth is dry, chewing sugarless gum, sucking on sugarless candy, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help. If this problem persists or is severe, talk to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash , itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Seizures | Body tremors, loss of consciousness. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating or no urination. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
| Restlessness | Feeling a strange sense of anxiety. |
| Dizziness | Feeling dizzy. |
| Dry mouth | Feeling like saliva is stuck in the mouth. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
| Feeling unusually tired | Feeling tired or weak. |
How to protect and remove the medicine?
Keep these pills locked up, out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store them at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius), in a dry place, out of direct sunlight. Do not store the medicine in a damp place, such as the bathroom.
Do not use expired medications. When disposing of them, remove the pills from the packaging, mix them with something like used tea leaves or coffee grounds, put them in a tightly sealed bag, and throw them in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine medication used for allergies.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all other illnesses you have and all other medicines you are taking.
- Taking the medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, be very careful when driving or doing work that requires concentration.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
- If you experience severe side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or seizures , seek medical advice immediately.
- This is a medicine given only to you. Never share it with others.
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