$Unique_ID{BRK02122}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PSEUDOEPHEDRINE AND DEXBROMPHENIRAMINE COMBINATION}
$Subject{dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine (Baxter)
Disophrol (Schering)
Disophrol Chronotabs (Schering)
Drixoral (Schering)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PSEUDOEPHEDRINE AND DEXBROMPHENIRAMINE COMBINATION
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine (Baxter)
     Disophrol [*] (Schering)
     Disophrol Chronotabs [*] (Schering)
     Drixoral [*] (Schering)
  *  Available over-the-counter (without a prescription)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Adrenergic (decongestant) and antihistamine
INGREDIENTS:
     pseudoephedrine and dexbrompheniramine
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (60 mg pseudoephedrine and 2 mg dexbrompheniramine)
     Sustained-release tablets (120 mg pseudoephedrine and 6 mg
       dexbrompheniramine)
STORAGE:
     Pseudoephedrine and dexbrompheniramine combination tablets should be
       stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     This drug combination is used to relieve the symptoms of upper
respiratory tract infections, hay fever and other allergies, and sinusitis
(inflammation of the sinuses).
     Pseudoephedrine belongs to a group of drugs known as adrenergic agents
(decongestants).  They act by constricting (narrowing) blood vessels in the
nasal passages to reduce swelling and congestion.
     Dexbrompheniramine belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines,
which block the actions of histamine, a chemical released by the body during
an allergic reaction.  It is, therefore, used to relieve or prevent symptoms
of allergy.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach upset, you can take pseudoephedrine and
dexbrompheniramine combination with food or with a full glass of milk or water
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The sustained-release form of this medication should be swallowed whole.
Breaking, chewing, or crushing these tablets destroys their sustained-release
activity and may increase the side effects of the medication.
     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; decreased sweating; diarrhea;
dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, and throat; heartburn; insomnia;
irritability; loss of appetite; nasal congestion; nausea; restlessness;
vomiting; or weakness.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.
     This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  You should,
therefore, 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 medicine interacts with several other types of drugs:
     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 action of oral anticoagulants may be decreased by the
antihistamine component of this drug.
     4. Procarbazine may interact with the antihistamine component of this
drug.
     5. The side effects of the antihistamine part of this medication may be
increased by quinidine, procainamide, haloperidol, or phenothiazine
tranquilizers.
     6. The side effects of the decongestant component may be increased by
digoxin or over-the-counter (nonprescription) asthma, allergy, cough, cold,
diet, or sinus preparations.
     7. The blood-pressure-lowering effects of guanethidine may be decreased
by this medication.
     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 dexbrompheniramine or other antihistamines
(such as azatadine, brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, chlorpheniramine,
clemastine, cyproheptadine, dexchlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, dimethindene,
diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, promethazine,
pyrilamine, trimeprazine, tripelennamine, and triprolidine) or to
pseudoephedrine or other adrenergic agents (such as albuterol, amphetamines,
ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, norepinephrine,
phenylpropanolamine, and terbutaline).
     * 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 this drug can reduce sweating and heat release from the body,
avoid excessive work and exercise in hot weather, and do not take hot baths,
showers, and saunas.
     * This medication can cause drowsiness.  Your ability to perform tasks
that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially
dangerous machinery, may be decreased.  Appropriate caution should, therefore,
be taken.
     * 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.
