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What is Dimetapp
 Brompheniramine
is an antihistamine. It works against the naturally occurring
chemical histamine in your body. Brompheniramine prevents
sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms
of allergies and hay fever.
Phenylpropanolamine
is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins
and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas
and allows nasal passages to open up.
Dimetapp
is used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis (inflammation
of the sinuses) associated with allergies, hay fever, and
the common cold.
Phenylpropanolamine,
an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an
increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain
or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also
be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low,
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that
consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Dimetapp
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Dimetapp
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product,
has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic
stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding
the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the
risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any
products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Use caution
when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Dimetapp may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness while taking Dimetapp.
Do not take
more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms
do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.
Who should not take Dimetapp
Do not take Dimetapp if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the
last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur,
leading to serious side effects.
Before taking this
medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney
disease,
- liver disease,
- diabetes,
-
glaucoma,
- any type of heart disease or high blood
pressure,
- thyroid disease,
- emphysema or
chronic bronchitis, or
- difficulty urinating or
an enlarged prostate.
You may not be able to take
Dimetapp, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Dimetapp is in the FDA pregnancy category
B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant.
This medication passes
into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take
this medication without first talking to your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 60
years of age, you may be more likely to experience side
effects from Dimetapp. You may require a lower dose of this
medication.
Read the package label for directions
or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child
with this medication. Children are more susceptible than
adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual
reactions.
How should take Dimetapp Take Dimetapp exactly as directed. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse,
or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose
with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or
break the long-acting or sustained-release forms of this
medication. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure about
the formulation of the medicine, ask your pharmacist for
help.
If you cannot swallow the tablets or capsules,
look for a liquid form of the medication.
To ensure
that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of
Dimetapp with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not
with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring
device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended.
An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm.
Do not take Dimetapp for longer than 7 days in a row. If
your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you
have a fever, talk to your doctor.
Store Dimetapp
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Dimetapp overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils,
flushing, nausea, and vomiting.
Avoid while taking Dimetapp Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Dimetapp may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously.
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
Dimetapp.
Dimetapp may increase the effects of other
drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants,
alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines,
seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation,
dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if Dimetapp is taken
with any of these medications.
Possible side effects of Dimetapp Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop
taking Dimetapp and seek emergency medical attention if
you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Dimetapp and
talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if
you experience
- dryness of the eyes, nose, and mouth;
- drowsiness or dizziness;
- blurred vision;
- difficulty urinating; or
- excitation in
children.
Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect
that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Dimetapp Do not take Dimetapp if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the
last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur,
leading to serious side effects.
Do not take other
over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids
while taking Dimetapp without first talking to your doctor
or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain brompheniramine,
phenylpropanolamine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally
take too much of these medicines.
Dimetapp may increase
the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers,
anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if
Dimetapp is taken with any of these medications.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Dimetapp.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
