Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
brompheniramine/phenylephrine
tablet, chewable
- 6mg/15mg
oral suspension
- (6mg/10mg)/5mL
- (1.2mg/2mg)/1mL
oral liquid
- (1mg/2.5mg)/5mL
- (2mg/5mg)/5mL
elixir
- (1mg/2.5mg)/5mL
Congestion
brompheniramine/phenylephrine
3 mL [(1.2 mg/2 mg)/1 mL] PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 18 mL/24hr
5 mL [(4 mg/10 mg)/5 mL] PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 30 mL/24hr
20 mL [(1mg/2.5mg)/5mL] PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 120 mL/24hr
Administration
Refer to manufacturer information for dosing details; multiple strengths available
Administer liquids with special measuring device for accurate dose
Dosage Forms & Strengths
brompheniramine/phenylephrine
tablet, chewable
- 1mg/2.5mg
- 6mg/15mg
oral suspension
- (6mg/10mg)/5mL
- (1.2mg/2mg)/1mL
oral liquid
- (1mg/2.5mg)/5mL
- (2mg/5mg)/5mL
elixir
- (1mg/2.5mg)/5mL
Congestion
brompheniramine/phenylephrine
Refer to manufacturer information for dosing details; multiple strengths available
2-6 years: 5 mL [(1mg/2.5mg)/5mL] PO q4hr; not to exceed 30 mL/24hr
6-12 years: 10 mL [(1mg/2.5mg)/5mL] PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 60 mL/24hr
Alternatively, 1.5 mL [(1.2 mg/2 mg)/1 mL] PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 9 mL/24hr
>12 years: 3 mL [(1.2 mg/2 mg)/1 mL] PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 18 mL/24hr
Alternatively, 5 mL [(4 mg/10 mg)/5 mL] PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 30 mL/24hr
Adverse Effects
Phenylephrine (Common)
Hypertension, reflex bradycardia
Anxiety, dizziness, excitability, headache, nervousness, restlessness
Rebound congestion, sneezing, pulmonary edema
Brompheniramine (Common)
Anticholinergic effects (blurred vision, dry mouth/nose, throat)
Drowsiness, dizziness, decreased coordination, headache
Constipation, stomach upset
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to brompheniramine or phenylephrine
Use within 14 days of MAO therapy
Sedation of children
Breast feeding of newborn
Severe CAD or hypertension
Acute asthma attack
Urinary retention
Peptic ulcer
Cautions
May impair mental abilities (CNS depression)
Caution on CAD, diabetes mellitus, BPH, pyloroduodenal obstruction, respiratory disease, thyroid dysfunction
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; elicits high antihistamine activity, low sedative effects, and moderate anticholinergic effects
Phenylephrine: A vasoconstrictor and a decongestant that relieves symptoms resulting from irritation of upper respiratory tract tissue. It shrinks swollen mucous membranes, reduces nasal congestion and tissue hyperemia; also has strong alpha effects resulting in increased PVR and BP and decreased CO and renal perfusion;
Absorption
Onset: 15-30 min
Duration: 3-9 hr, may last 48 hr (brompheniramine); 2-4 hr (phenylephrine)
Peak Plasma Time: 2-5 hr (brompheniramine)
Distribution
Vd: 11.7 L/kg (brompheniramine)
Metabolism
Brompheniramine: Mainly liver; metabolites include propionic acid derivative conjugated with glycine
Phenylephrine: Liver and intestine by MAO
Elimination
Half-Life: 11.8-34.7 hr (brompheniramine)
Excretion: Urine
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.
