Dimaphen Elixir

Name: Dimaphen Elixir

What is the most important information I should know about Dimaphen Elixir (brompheniramine 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.

You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Dimaphen Elixir (brompheniramine and phenylephrine)?

Do not use this medicine if you have taken 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 it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

  • asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;

  • kidney or liver disease;

  • high blood pressure, heart disease;

  • an enlarged prostate or urination problems;

  • glaucoma;

  • epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

  • pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor);

  • overactive thyroid; or

  • if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).

It is not known whether brompheniramine and phenylephrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether brompheniramine and phenylephrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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

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 taking Dimaphen Elixir (brompheniramine and phenylephrine)?

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 this medicine 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. Taking 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.

What other drugs will affect Dimaphen Elixir (brompheniramine and phenylephrine)?

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.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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