$Unique_ID{BRK02089}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PHENYLEPHRINE, PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE, BROMPHENIRAMINE, AND GUAIFENESIN}
$Subject{Normatane Expectorant (Vortech)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PHENYLEPHRINE, PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE, BROMPHENIRAMINE, AND GUAIFENESIN
COMBINATION
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Normatane Expectorant (Vortech)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Adrenergic (decongestant), antihistamine, and expectorant
INGREDIENTS:
     phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, guaifenesin, and
       alcohol
DOSAGE FORM:
     Oral expectorant (5 mg phenylephrine, 5 mg phenylpropanolamine, 2 mg
       brompheniramine, and 100 mg guaifenesin per 5-ml spoonful, with 3.5%
       alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, and guaifenesin
       combination should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in a
       tightly closed container.

USES

     This drug combination is used to relieve the coughing and congestion of
allergy and the common cold.
     Phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine belong to a group of drugs known as
adrenergic agents (decongestants).  They act by constricting (narrowing) blood
vessels in the nasal passages, thereby reducing swelling and congestion.
     Brompheniramine belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines,
which are used to relieve or prevent symptoms of allergy.  Antihistamines
block the actions of histamine, which is a chemical released by the body
during an allergic reaction.
     Guaifenesin is an expectorant, a drug that loosens bronchial secretions.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take phenylephrine,
phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, and guaifenesin combination with food or
with a full glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do
otherwise).
     The expectorant should be measured carefully with a specially designed
5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Anxiety; blurred vision; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness;
dry mouth, nose, and throat; heartburn; insomnia; irritability; loss of
appetite; nasal congestion; nausea; restlessness; reduced sweating; vomiting;
or weakness.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  Avoid
prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps, wear protective clothing, and use
an effective sunscreen.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to
reduce mouth dryness.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     In order to avoid difficulty in falling asleep, take the last dose of
this medication several hours before bedtime.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain, confusion, convulsions, difficult or painful urination, difficulty
in breathing, fainting, hallucinations, headaches, loss of coordination, mood
changes, nosebleeds, palpitations, rash, severe abdominal pain, sore throat,
or unusual bleeding or bruising.

INTERACTIONS

     This combination medication interacts with several other types of
medications:
     1. Concurrent use of it with central nervous system depressants (such as
alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants,
narcotics, pain medications, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with
tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness.
     2. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (isocarboxazid, pargyline,
phenelzine, tranylcypromine) and tricyclic antidepressants can increase the
side effects of this medication.  At least 14 days should separate the use of
this drug and the use of an MAO inhibitor.
     3. The side effects of the antihistamine part of this medication may be
increased by quinidine, procainamide, haloperidol, and phenothiazine
tranquilizers, and the side effects of the decongestant component can be
increased by digoxin or over-the-counter (nonprescription) diet, allergy,
asthma, cough, cold, or sinus preparations.
     4. The blood-pressure-lowering effects of guanethidine may be decreased
by phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, and guaifenesin
combination.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to brompheniramine or other antihistamines (such
as azatadine, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, cyproheptadine,
dexchlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline,
doxylamine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, pyrilamine, trimeprazine,
tripelennamine, and triprolidine); to phenylpropanolamine, phenylephrine, or
other adrenergic agents (such as albuterol, amphetamines, ephedrine,
epinephrine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, norepinephrine, pseudoephedrine,
and terbutaline); or to guaifenesin.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had diabetes
mellitus, epilepsy, glaucoma, heart or blood vessel disease, hiatal hernia,
high blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, obstructed bladder or intestinal
tract, peptic ulcers, enlarged prostate gland, or thyroid disease.
     * Because phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, brompheniramine, and
guaifenesin combination can reduce sweating and heat release from the body,
you should avoid excessive work and exercise in hot weather, and do not take
hot baths, showers, and saunas.
     * While you are taking phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine,
brompheniramine, and guaifenesin combination, drink at least eight glasses of
water a day to help loosen bronchial secretions.
     * This medication can cause drowsiness.  Exercise caution when performing
tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially
dangerous machinery.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this
medication pass into breast milk and may cause unusual excitement or
irritability in nursing infants.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
