Brompheniramine
Brompheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergic reactions, hay fever, and the common cold. It works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, which reduces sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. This medication is available by prescription and over-the-counter, often in combination with other cold or allergy medications.
Brompheniramine is an antihistamine that treats allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose by blocking histamine receptors.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R06AB01
- RxNorm
- 19711
- Generic
- Brompheniramine
- Class
- atc-r06
- Brands
- Bromfed DM, Respa-BR, BroveX CB, Brovex PBC, M-End PE, Mar-cof BP
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 25
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 6
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, syrup, elixir, capsule, oral solution
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia
- Monitoring
- none
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 4mg every 4-6 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4-6 hours as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2mg every 4-6 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4-6 hours as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2mg every 4-6 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4-6 hours as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second and third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
brompheniramine passes into breast milk - avoid breastfeeding during treatment
monitor infant for sedation or irritability
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose and increase dosing interval
use lowest effective dose due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects
monitor for sedation, confusion, urinary retention
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants and toddlers under 2not recommended
do not use in infants under 2 years due to risk of severe respiratory depression
respiratory monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 2 to 12weight-based dosing required
use with caution - may cause hyperactivity in some children
monitor for sedation or paradoxical excitement
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution and consider dose reduction in mild to moderate impairment
monitor renal function and for excessive sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid or use significantly reduced dose
avoid use in severe renal impairment unless benefits outweigh risks
closely monitor renal function and drug accumulation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution due to hepatic metabolism
monitor for excessive sedation and anticholinergic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function and drug effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
H1 receptor antagonist antihistamine
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism
Brompheniramine is used to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria (hives), angioedema, and to help relieve symptoms of the common cold such as sneezing and runny nose. It may also be used in the treatment of anaphylaxis as an adjunct therapy.
Brompheniramine works by competitively blocking H1 histamine receptors in the body. This prevents histamine from binding to these receptors and causing allergic symptoms. As a first-generation antihistamine, it also has anticholinergic properties which help reduce nasal secretions.
This medication may cause drowsiness and should be used with caution when driving or operating machinery. Alcohol and other CNS depressants can enhance this sedating effect. It should be avoided in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, or severe hypertension. Caution is also needed in elderly patients due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects. Always consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if taking other medications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy