dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine

What is the most important information I should know about dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

What is dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?

Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, cough, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?

Do not use cough or cold medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• asthma or COPD;
• a cough with mucus, or cough caused by chronic bronchitis;
• a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
• glaucoma;
• liver or kidney disease;
• diabetes;
• heart disease, high blood pressure;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• urination problems.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor if you have taken a cough or cold medicine within the past few days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?

• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeats;
• shortness of breath;
• severe dizziness or nervousness;
• little or no urination;
• trouble sleeping; or
• increased blood pressure --severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed.

Common side effects may include:

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• feeling nervous, restless, or irritable;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children);
• loss of appetite;
• blurred vision; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?

Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine.