Brompheniramine
DIMETAPP
Pronunciation: broem-fen-IR-a-meen
“Broom Dime tappin’”
What it isFirst-generation H1 antagonist; allergic rhinitis and cold symptoms.
Why this oneEffective and inexpensive, widely available in combination products.
What limits itAnticholinergic burden and sedation, so it is poor in the elderly. Impairs driving.
FDA-approved for
- allergy (~1957)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hay fever symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose/throat, itchy watery eyes) | Adults & children ≥12 yr | 20 mL (4 mg) PO Q4H | 20 mL Q4H PRN | 6 doses/24 h |
| Hay fever symptoms | Children 6 to <12 yr | 10 mL (2 mg) PO Q4H | 10 mL Q4H PRN | 6 doses/24 h |
| Hay fever symptoms | Children <6 yr | Do not use | Do not use | Do not use |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Max 6 doses per 24 hours
Instructions
- Measure only with the dosing cup provided; keep cup with product.
- Do not use more than directed.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks; be careful driving or operating machinery (drowsiness).
Available strengths
- sol 2 mg/5 mL
Contraindications
- Do not use to sedate a child or to make a child sleepy
Cautions
- Ask a doctor before use: trouble urinating due to enlarged prostate, glaucoma, or a breathing problem (emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis).
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if taking sedatives/tranquilizers or any other oral nasal decongestant or stimulant.
- Drowsiness may occur; alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers increase drowsiness.
- Excitability may occur, especially in children.
Adverse reactions
- Drowsiness
- Excitability (especially in children)
Pregnancy If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Lactation If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Cost
Brompheniramine (DIMETAPP)
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mg/5 mL | sol | per unit | not offered |
NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Brompheniramine is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskAnticholinergic burden and sedation
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Serotonin and MAOI
Provisional washout figures
Evidence confidenceModerate