Saturday 8 August 2009

Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir


Pronunciation: brome-fen-IR-a-meen/dex-troe-meth-OR-fan/sue-do-eh-FED-rin
Generic Name: Brompheniramine/Dextromethorphan/Pseudoephedrine
Brand Name: Examples include Bromfed DM and Carbodex DM


Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir is used for:

Relieving symptoms of sinus congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and cough due to colds, upper respiratory infections, and allergies. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir is a decongestant, antihistamine, and cough suppressant combination. It works by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nasal passages. The antihistamine works by blocking the action of histamine, which helps reduce symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing while the cough suppressant works in the brain to help decrease the cough reflex to reduce a dry cough.


Do NOT use Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir

  • you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, rapid heartbeat, or severe heart problems

  • you are unable to urinate or are having an asthma attack

  • you take sodium oxybate (GHB) or if you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir:


Some medical conditions may interact with Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

  • if you have a history of adrenal gland problems (eg, adrenal gland tumor); heart problems; high blood pressure; diabetes; heart blood vessel problems; stroke; glaucoma; a blockage of your stomach, bladder, or intestines; ulcers; trouble urinating; an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems; seizures; or an overactive thyroid

  • if you have a history of asthma, chronic cough, lung problems (eg, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or if your cough occurs with large amounts of mucus

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), COMT inhibitors (eg, tolcapone), furazolidone, indomethacin, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), sodium oxybate (GHB), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may increase the risk of Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir's side effects

  • Digoxin or droxidopa because the risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack may be increased

  • Bromocriptine or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir

  • Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir:


Use Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Take Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir by mouth with or without food.

  • Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.

  • If you miss a dose of Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir.



Important safety information:


  • Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

  • Do not take diet or appetite control medicines while you are taking Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir without checking with you doctor.

  • Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir has pseudoephedrine in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has pseudoephedrine in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

  • If your symptoms do not get better within 5 to 7 days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.

  • Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

  • If you are scheduled for allergy skin testing, do not take Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir for several days before the test because it may decrease your response to the skin tests.

  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

  • Use Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • Caution is advised when using Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir while you are pregnant. It is not known if Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir.


Possible side effects of Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; tremor; trouble sleeping; vision changes.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; confusion; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; vomiting.


Proper storage of Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir:

Store Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Elixir. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough resources


  • Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Drug Interactions
  • Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough Support Group
  • 2 Reviews for Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough - Add your own review/rating


Compare Dimetapp DM Cold/Cough with other medications


  • Cough and Nasal Congestion

No comments:

Post a Comment