Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine
oral liquid
- (1mg/15mg)/5mL
capsule
- 4mg/60mg
Nasal Congestion with Rhinitis
Capsule (4mg/60 mg): 1 PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 4 capsules/24hr
Liquid: 20 mL [(1 mg/15 mg)/5 mL] PO q6hr; not to exceed 80 mg/24 hr
Recommended maximum dosage limits
- Brompheniramine: 24 mg PO in 24 hr
- Pseudoephedrine: 240 mg PO in 24 hr
Administration
Refer to manufacturer information for dosing details; multiple strengths available
Administer liquids with special measuring device for accurate dose
Dosage Forms & Strengths
brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine
oral liquid
- (1mg/15mg)/5mL
capsule
- 4mg/60mg
Nasal Congestion with Rhinitis
Capsule
- <12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- >12 years: 4mg/60 mg (1 capsule) PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 4 capsules/24hr
Liquid
- 6-12 years: 10 mL [(15mg/1mg)/5 mL] PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 40 mL/day
- >12 years: 20 mL [(15mg/1mg)/5 mL] PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 80 mL/day
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Brompheniramine (Common)
- Anticholinergic effects (blurred vision, dry mouth/nose, throat,
- Drowsiness, dizziness, decreased coordination, headache
- Constipation, stomach upset
Pseudoephedrine (Common)
- CNS (tremor, restlessness, etc)
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Warnings
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to drugs or excipients
- Within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy
Cautions
- Use with caution in mild-mod HTN, asthma, thyroid dysfunction, hyperglycemia, BPH, DM, glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and ischemic heart disease
- Many combo formulations are switching to phenylephrine due to restrictions arising from easy conversion to methamphetamine (The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 bans OTC sales of cold medicines that contain ingredients commonly used to make methamphetamine such as pseudoephedrine)
May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; caution patients about performing tasks requiring mental alertness, including operating heavy machinery
Medication may potentiate the effects of sedative drugs or ethanol
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category: C; not recommended in first tri-mester or last 2 weeks of pregnancy
Lactation: Contraindicated
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Brompheniramine: Histamine H1-receptor antagonist
Pseudoephedrine: Sympathomimetic; exerts decongestant action on nasal mucosa; stimulates the alpha-adrenergic receptors causing bronchodilation and vasoconstriction
Brompheniramne
Half-Life: 11.8-34.7 hr
Onset: 30 min
Protein binding: 39-49%
Duration: 3-9 hr, may last 48 hr
Peak Plasma Time: 2-4 hr (adults): 3-3.5 hr (children)
Vd: 11.7 L/kg (adults); 20 L/kg (children)
Metabolism: Mainly liver
Metabolites: Propionic acid derivative conjugated with glycine
Excretion: Urine
Antihistamine activity: Jigh
Sedative effect: Low
Anticholinergic effects: Moderate
Pseudoephedrine
Half-Life: 3 hr (children); 3-16hr (adults)
Onset: 30 min
Absorption: Rapid
Duration: 3-8 hr
Peak Plasma Time: 1-3 hr (adults); 2hr (children)
Peak Plasma Concentration: 422 ng/mL
Clearance: 7.3-7.6 mL/min/kg
Excretion: Urine
Vd: 2.5 L/kg (children); 2.64-3.51 L/kg (adults)
Images
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.