Generic name: brompheniramine and phenylephrine [ brom-fen-ir-a-meen-and-fen-il-eff-rin ]
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations
Availability: Rx and/or otc
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Brohist d, Dimetane decongestant, Dimetapp, Rynex pe, Ru-hist d
What is Dimetapp cold/allergy?
Dimetapp Cold/Allergy is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
Dimetapp Cold/Allergy may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.
How should I use Dimetapp cold/allergy
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Before Taking
Do not use Dimetapp Cold/Allergy if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to brompheniramine or phenylephrine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:
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a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis;
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diabetes;
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high blood pressure, heart disease;
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an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
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glaucoma; or
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overactive thyroid.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years without medical advice.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since cold medicine is used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Dimetapp cold/allergy?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol with Dimetapp Cold/Allergy can cause side effects.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or sleep medicine. Many combination medicines contain brompheniramine or phenylephrine. Using certain products together can cause you to get too much of this medicine. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.
Dimetapp cold/allergy side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Dimetapp Cold/Allergy and call your doctor at once if you have:
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nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness;
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chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate;
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little or no urinating;
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dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, shortness of breath);
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if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever; or
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if new symptoms occur.
Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.
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.
See more: Dimetapp cold/allergy Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Dimetapp cold/allergy?
Using Dimetapp Cold/Allergy with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.