Drixoral

What is Drixoral

Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine. It works against the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body. Dexbrompheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas, which decreases swelling and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to open up.

Drixoral is used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

Drixoral may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Drixoral

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Drixoral may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Drixoral.

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 Drixoral

Do not take Drixoral if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney or liver disease,
- diabetes,
- glaucoma,
- any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,
- thyroid disease,
- emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or
- difficulty urinating or have an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take Drixoral, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Drixoral 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 Drixoral. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are much more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions. Read the package label for directions for use in children. Do not use this medication for children if it is not recommended.

How should take Drixoral

Take Drixoral 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 of the formulation of your 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 forms of Drixoral with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take Drixoral 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.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm.

Store Drixoral 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 your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your 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 Drixoral overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, and vomiting.

Avoid while taking Drixoral

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Drixoral may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Drixoral.

Possible side effects of Drixoral

Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking Drixoral 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 Drixoral and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience
- dry 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 Drixoral

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking Drixoral unless your pharmacist or doctor approves. Other medications may also contain dexbrompheniramine, pseudoephedrine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally overdose.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications that you are taking, especially antidepressants, tranquilizers (anxiety medications), sedatives (sleeping pills), and blood pressure pills.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Drixoral. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.