Brompheniramine
Pronunciation: (brome-fen-EER-a-meen).
- Generic name
- Brompheniramine
- Brand names
- Bromphen, Dimetapp, Coldbest, Bromfed, Bromex, Lodrane
- Drug class
- First-generation antihistamine
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Brompheniramine is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Brompheniramine works
Brompheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine that competitively inhibits histamine H1 receptors, thereby blocking the effects of endogenous histamine in the respiratory tract, blood vessels, and gastrointestinal smooth muscle. This action reduces symptoms of allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, and rhinorrhea. It also has moderate anticholinergic and mild sedative effects due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. (1)
What Brompheniramine is used for
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis (2)
Common cold symptoms
Common cold symptoms (2)
Before taking Brompheniramine
Do not take / not appropriate for
- hypersensitivity to brompheniramine or other alkylamine antihistamines, and concurrent or recent (within 14 days) use of MAO inhibitors. Use with caution in patients with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, or asthma. (Contraindication) (2)
- Elderly patients and children are at increased risk for CNS and anticholinergic side effects. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Brompheniramine
- General Instructions: Take brompheniramine exactly as directed on the package or by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult dose: 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Maximum: 24 mg per day.. Pediatric Dosing: Children 6–12 years: 2 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed (maximum 12 mg/day). Children under 6: Use only if directed by a healthcare professional.. Administration: Can be taken with or without food. Use a proper measuring device for liquid forms. Swallow tablets whole with water.. When To Stop: If you experience severe side effects, an allergic reaction, or symptoms that persist beyond 7 days, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use.. Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat; do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
Brompheniramine is generally taken as needed rather than on a fixed schedule. If you are on a scheduled regimen and miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and irregular heartbeat. Seek emergency medical attention immediately or contact a poison control center (in the US, Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222). (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Drowsiness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dry mouth
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Blurred vision
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Constipation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Urinary retention
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Confusion
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
May cause significant drowsiness or sedation — serious
Symptoms: May cause significant drowsiness or sedation. Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of confusion and falls. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly needed. May worsen symptoms of glaucoma, urinary retention, or prostatic hypertrophy. Do not use with or within 14 days of MAO inhibitors.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include hypersensitivity to brompheniramine or other alkylamine antihistamines, and concurrent or recent (within 14 days) use of MAO inhibitors. Use with caution in patients with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, or asthma. Elderly patients and children are at increased risk for CNS and anticholinergic side effects.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Brompheniramine may interact with other central nervous system depressants (such as alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers), anticholinergic drugs, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These interactions can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty urinating. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Neither the clinician-authored record nor the independent literature reviewed (Drugs.com, accessed 2026-08-06) establishes a definitive safety category for pregnancy. Ask a doctor before using brompheniramine if you are pregnant. (2)
Breastfeeding
Neither the clinician-authored record nor the independent literature reviewed (Drugs.com, accessed 2026-08-06) establishes specific breastfeeding safety data. Ask a doctor before using brompheniramine if you are breastfeeding. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
No renal- or hepatic-impairment-specific dosing has been established for brompheniramine in either source reviewed. Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
No renal- or hepatic-impairment-specific dosing has been established for brompheniramine in either source reviewed. Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat; do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Allergic rhinitis
Dose summary: Brompheniramine 4 mg orally every 4-6 hours as needed.
Renal context: No renal-impairment-specific dose adjustment has been established for brompheniramine in either source reviewed. Use general caution and clinician guidance in anyone with renal impairment. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is brompheniramine used for?
Brompheniramine is used to relieve symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the throat or nose.
Can I take brompheniramine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Brompheniramine should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if clearly needed and directed by your healthcare provider, as safety data is limited.
Does brompheniramine make you sleepy?
Yes, drowsiness is a common side effect. Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving, until you know how the medication affects you.
Can children take brompheniramine?
Brompheniramine can be used in children, but dosing must be carefully followed. Children under 6 should only use it under medical supervision.
What should I do if I overdose on brompheniramine?
Seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and irregular heartbeat.
Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid while taking brompheniramine?
Avoid alcohol and other sedating substances, as they can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
Can I take brompheniramine with other allergy medications?
Do not take other antihistamines or sedating medications with brompheniramine unless directed by your healthcare provider, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
What happens if I take too much Brompheniramine?
Taking too much Brompheniramine can lead to severe drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating. In more serious cases, it may cause seizures, hallucinations, or loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center right away.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Brompheniramine?
It is strongly advised to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Brompheniramine. As a first-generation antihistamine, Brompheniramine can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to concentrate. Alcohol can significantly amplify these sedative effects, leading to increased dizziness, impaired coordination, and potentially dangerous central nervous system depression.
Is Brompheniramine safe during pregnancy?
Brompheniramine's pregnancy category is not definitively established as safe without medical guidance. The effects on a developing fetus are not fully known. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before using Brompheniramine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can assess the risks and benefits for your specific situation.
What is the mechanism of action of Brompheniramine?
Brompheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine that competitively inhibits histamine H1 receptors, thereby blocking the effects of endogenous histamine in the respiratory tract, blood vessels, and gastrointestinal smooth muscle. This action reduces symptoms of allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, and rhinorrhea. It also has moderate anticholinergic and mild sedative effects due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. (1)
What is the generic name of Brompheniramine?
The generic name is Brompheniramine. It is sold under brand names including Bromphen, Dimetapp, Coldbest, Bromfed, Bromex, Lodrane.
What class of drug is Brompheniramine?
Brompheniramine is classed as: First-generation antihistamine.
References
- Brompheniramine — Clinician-Authored Medicine RecordMedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Brompheniramine — Consumer MonographDrugs.com · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- BROMPHENIRAMINE MALEATE, PSEUDOEPHEDRINE HYDROCHLORIDE, DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROBROMIDE (BROMPHENIRAMINE MALEATE, PSEUDOEPHEDRINE HYDROCHLORIDE, AND DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROBROMIDE) SYRUP [SPORTPHARM LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Brompheniramine — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- CVS PHARMACY Childrens Cold and Allergy — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA M012)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Brompheniramine — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 142427)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Brompheniramine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Dimetapp Cold and Allergy2 mg0mL · foundation consumer healthcare