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Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan is taken to relieve cough, cold, and allergy symptoms. It contains three medicines: brompheniramine (an antihistamine), pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). Common side effects include dry mouth, nose, and throat; thick mucus; dizziness; and drowsiness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan affects you.

Uses

What is brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan used for?

Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan is commonly taken to help with cough; runny or stuffy nose; sinus pressure; sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; and an itchy nose or throat from hay fever, other allergies, or the common cold. 

Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan may also be taken for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan work (mechanism of action)?

Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan has three medicines in it: brompheniramine, pseudoephedrine, and dextromethorphan. 

  • Brompheniramine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine to help with symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, or an itchy nose or throat. 
  • Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It narrows blood vessels in your nose, which may help reduce swelling, stuffiness, and congestion in your nose and sinuses. 
  • Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It reduces the urge to cough by blocking your cough reflex.

How is brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • BIO-Dtuss DMX
  • Bromfed DM

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 mg/30 mg/20 mg per 5 mL oral syrup
  • 2 mg/30 mg/10 mg per 5 mL oral syrup

How should I store brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan?

Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan?

The most common side effects of brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dry mouth, nose, and throat
  • Dizziness or drowsiness
  • Thick mucus

There may be other side effects of brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan?

While less common, the most serious side effects of brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan.

  • Bromfed DM
  • Brompheniramine 
  • Dextromethorphan
  • Pseudoephedrine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Breastfeeding. Do not take brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan if you are breastfeeding. You must either stop breastfeeding or stop brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan. See the Breastfeeding section for more details.

High Blood Pressure. Do not take brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan if you have very high blood pressure. If you are not sure if your blood pressure is high, ask your health care provider. 

Heart Disease. Do not take brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan if you have severe coronary artery disease. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. 

Infants. Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan should not be used in newborn or premature babies.

What should I know about brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan before using it?

If brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan was prescribed to you by a health care provider, take it as prescribed. If you are taking over-the-counter brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan, read and follow the instructions that come with the product. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Do not share brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan that was prescribed for you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan out of the reach of children.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan affects you.

Drowsiness is a common side effect with brompheniramine (one of the ingredients in this medicine). Some people, especially children, may have the opposite effect and become excited or hyper after taking it. Talk with your pharmacist or health care provider if you have any concerns. 

Stop taking brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following while taking it.

  • Nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Your symptoms get worse or do not get better within 7 days
  • You have a fever, rash, or a headache that does not go away
  • Your symptoms go away and then come back

What should I tell my health care provider before using brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not take brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan while you are breastfeeding. Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan may pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan.

 

Interactions

Does brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan and foods or drinks.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. The risk of dizziness or drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan.

Does brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety
  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • Any other medicine that contains a decongestant that you spray in your nose or take by mouth, such as oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, or pseudoephedrine, which is used to treat nasal congestion
  • Any other medicine that contains an antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is a medicine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms 
  • Any other medicine that contains dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant found in cough and cold products

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan?

If you or someone else has taken too much brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan?

Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan is meant to be taken only when needed. Take it as your health care provider recommends or according to the directions on the package. Do not take double or extra doses.