Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Primatene Tablets, Bronkaid Dual Action Formula
- Decongestant/Expectorant Combos
Description
Ephedrine: Alpha, beta-1, and beta-2 receptor agonist
Guaifenesin: Expectorant; reduces viscosity of mucus by increasing effective respiratory tract hydration
Indications
Indicated for temporary relief of mild symptoms of intermittent asthma including wheezing, tightness of chest, shortness of breath ephedrine
Contraindications
Never diagnosed with asthma
Within 2 weeks of taking MAOI
Taking certain drugs for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease
Hypersensitivity to drug or excipients
Adverse Effects
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Emotional disturbance
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Seizure
- Hypersensitivity reaction
- Tremor
- Cough
- Exacerbation of asthma
- Productive cough
Warnings
This product will not provide quick relief from asthma symptoms, as would an inhaled bronchodilator
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if taking prescription drugs for asthma, obesity, weight control, depression, or psychiatric or emotional conditions or if taking any drug that contains phenylephrine, ephedrine, or caffeine, including for allergy, cough-cold, or pain
May cause hypertension or tachycardia; serious cardiovascular events (eg, MI, stroke, arrhythmias, including death) reported with use of dietary supplements containing ephedrine; risk of heart attack or stroke may increase with history of high blood pressure or heart disease, or if taking more frequently or taking a higher dose than recommended
If you have been previously hospitalized for asthma, other prescription drugs for asthma should be used as directed by your physician
Avoid foods or beverages that contain caffeine and avoid dietary supplements containing ingredients reported or claimed to have a stimulant effect
Caution with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, seizures, narrow angle glaucoma, history of psychiatric or emotional condition, prostatic hypertrophy, productive cough, cough that lasts or is chronic (eg, owing to smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema)
Discontinue use and see a physician if asthma is getting worse, have difficulty sleeping, experience rapid heartbeat, experience tremors, nervousness, or seizure
Pregnancy and Lactation
Limited human data have not shown fetal harm with temporary oral use; if pregnant, ask a healthcare professional before use
Ephedrine: Unknown if distributed in human breast milk
Guaifenesin: Unknown if distributed in human breast milk
Maximum Dosage
12.5-25 mg/guaifenesin 200-400 mg PO q4hr PRN
Not to exceed ephedrine 150 mg/guaifenesin 2400 mg per 24 hr
Pediatric
<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
≥12 years: 12.5-25 mg/guaifenesin 200-400 mg PO q4hr PRN
Not to exceed ephedrine 150 mg/guaifenesin 2400 mg per 24 hr
How supplied
ephedrine/guaifenesin
tablet
- 12.5mg/200mg (Primatene Tablets)
- 25mg/400mg (Bronkaid Dual Action Formula)