Home Drug Guide Brompheniramine Maleate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Brompheniramine Maleate

Brand Names Dimetane, Dimetane-T, Veltane

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihistamine, first-generation

Pharmacological: H1 antihistamine

FDA Approved Indications

Relief of allergy symptoms such as hay fever, allergic rhinitis, urticaria

Mechanism of Action

Brompheniramine maleate blocks H1 histamine receptors, preventing allergic mediator effects and reducing allergy symptoms.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 12 mg per day in divided doses; dosage varies based on condition.

Pediatric: Dose is usually 6 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 24 mg in 24 hours.

Geriatric: Start with lower doses due to increased sensitivity and side effect risk.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dosage accordingly; consult specific guidelines.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific guidelines, monitor for adverse effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed; crosses blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism: Partially metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in urine.

Half Life: Approx. 14-24 hours.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to brompheniramine or other antihistamines.
Use cautiously in patients with asthma, urinary retention, glaucoma, or cardiovascular disease.

Precautions

May cause drowsiness; caution when operating machinery.
Use in pregnancy/lactation should be under medical supervision.

Adverse Reactions - Common

Drowsiness (Common)
Dizziness (Sometimes)
Dry mouth (Common)
Blurred vision (Sometimes)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Anticholinergic effects (urinary retention, constipation) (Rare)
Hypotension or tachycardia (Rare)
Allergic reactions (rash, anaphylaxis) (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives) increase drowsiness.
MAO inhibitors may enhance anticholinergic effects.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for drowsiness, anticholinergic effects, and allergy symptom relief.

Diagnoses:

Impaired gas exchange related to sedation or anticholinergic effects.
Risk for injury due to drowsiness.

Implementation: Administer with meals to minimize GI upset; avoid alcohol and CNS depressants.

Evaluation: Assess symptom relief and adverse effects regularly.

Patient/Family Teaching

Instruct to avoid alcohol and operating heavy machinery.
Warn about drowsiness and other anticholinergic effects.
Advise to report adverse reactions or lack of symptom control.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

None for this medication.

Genetic Factors: None known.

Lab Test Interference: None reported.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe agitation, hallucinations, seizures, coma, dry mouth, confusion.

Treatment: Supportive care, activated charcoal if ingestion was recent, and management of symptoms; no specific antidote.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.