Brompheniramine

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Also indexed as:

Dimetane, Dimetapp Allergy, Nasahist B, ND-Stat, Oraminic II

Combination List

Combination drugs:

• DayQuil Allergy Relief
• Dimetapp

Brompheniramine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergy) symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. It is also used to treat immediate allergic reactions. Brompheniramine is available in nonprescription products alone and in combination with other nonprescription drugs to treat symptoms of allergy, colds, and upper respiratory infections.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Brompheniramine

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	Henbane*
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Herbs

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)

Antihistamines, including brompheniramine, can cause "anticholinergic" side effects such as dryness of mouth and heart palpitations. Henbane also has anticholinergic activity and side effects. Therefore, use with brompheniramine could increase the risk of anticholinergic side effects,¹ though apparently no interactions have yet been reported with brompheniramine and henbane. Henbane should not be taken except by prescription from a physician trained in its use, as it is extremely toxic.

Other Interactions

Alcohol

Brompheniramine causes drowsiness.² Alcohol may intensify this effect and increase the risk of accidental injury.³ To prevent problems, people taking brompheniramine or brompheniramine-containing products should avoid alcohol.

References

1. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al, eds. The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 146.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Antihistamines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1998, 192a.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Antihistamines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO, Facts and Comparisons, May 1998, 192a.

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Last Review: 09-01-2007

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