Classes
DEA Class; Rx, OTC
Common Brand Names; Dimetane, Respa-BR
- Antihistamines, 1st Generation
Description
Histamine H1-receptor antagonist
Indications
Indicated for the treatment of Allergies.
Other Indications & Uses
Perennial & seasonal allergic & vasomotor rhinitis, relief of symptoms from colds, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions, pruritus, allergic conjunctivitis
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Lower respiratory disease, eg, asthma (controversial)
Preemies & neonates
Nursing women
Adverse Effects
- CNS depression
- Drowsiness
- Sedation ranging from mild drowsiness to deep sleep (most frequent)
- Dizziness
- Lassitude
- Disturbed coordination
- Muscular weakness
- Restlessness, insomnia, tremors, euphoria, nervousness, delirium, palpitation, seizures is less common
- Epigastric distress
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Cholestasis, hepatitis, hepatic failure, hepatic function abnormality, jaundice is rare
- Tachycardia, palpitation ECG changes (eg, widened QRS)
- Arrhythmias (eg, extrasystole, heart block)
- Hypotension
- Hypertension
- Dizziness, sedation, and hypotension may occur in geriatric patients
- Dryness of mouth, nose, and throat
- Dysuria
- Urinary retention
- Impotence
- Vertigo
- Visual disturbances
- Blurred vision
- Diplopia; tinnitus
- Acute labyrinthitis
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Facial dyskinesia
- Tightness of the chest
- Thickening of bronchial secretions
- Wheezing
- Nasal stuffiness
Warnings
Caution in narrow angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, or bladder neck obstruction
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown/contraindicated
Maximum Dosage
4 mg PO q4-6hr (no more than 24 mg qDay) PRN
Extended release: 8-12 mg tablet PO q12hr or 12-24 mg capsule PO qDay
Pediatric
<12 Years Old
0.5 mg/kg/day divided q6hr PO
Geriatric
Nonanticholinergic antihistamines should be considered first when treating allergic reactions (Beers Criteria)
Avoid use in elderly because of high incidence of anticholinergic effects
Clearance reduced with advanced age, greater risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects and toxicity
May exacerbate existing lower urinary conditions or benign prostatic hyperplasia
How supplied
Brompheniramine
tablet extended release
- 11mg
oral suspension
- 12mg/5mL
oral liquid
- 1mg/1mL
- 2 mg/5mL
