Dexbrompheniramine
Dexbrompheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergic conditions such as hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and urticaria. It works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, reducing allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. This medication is available in various formulations including oral tablets and liquid preparations.
A first-generation antihistamine used to treat allergic symptoms by blocking histamine H1 receptors.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R06AB06
- RxNorm
- 22690
- Generic
- Dexbrompheniramine
- Class
- atc-r06
- Brands
- Ala-Hist IR, M-End Max D
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 25
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 6
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, oral solution
- Regions
- United States, Canada
- Monitoring
- sedation, anticholinergic effects
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
- 2mg every 4 to 6 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4-6 hours as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1mg every 4 to 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 to 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
13 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks - may cause fetal toxicity
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 2 yearscontraindicated
do not use in children under 2 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
2 to 6 yearsuse with extreme caution
use only under physician supervision - avoid in children with respiratory conditions
monitor for sedation and respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
6 to 12 yearsage-appropriate dosing required
use under medical supervision - follow weight-based dosing
monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 plusstart with lowest effective dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects - avoid in patients with glaucoma, BPH, constipation
monitor for sedation, confusion, urinary retention
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno adjustment usually required
use with caution - monitor renal function
periodic renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate severe renal impairmentdose reduction recommended
reduce dose and extend dosing interval - monitor closely
frequent renal function monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentuse with caution
use with caution - no specific dose adjustment required
monitor for increased sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severe hepatic impairmentdose reduction recommended
reduce dose - use with caution due to decreased metabolism
monitor liver function and for excessive sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not use during breastfeeding - appears in breast milk
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
concurrent alcohol useavoid
avoid concurrent alcohol use - significantly increases CNS depression
monitor for excessive sedation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA Approval Year
First generation antihistamine approval timeline
Drug Class
Pharmacological classification system
Primary Therapeutic Uses
Approved therapeutic indications
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Treatment of allergic rhinitis, hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria (hives), and other allergic conditions causing sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Dexbrompheniramine is an H1 receptor antagonist that competitively blocks histamine at H1 receptor sites, preventing histamine-mediated allergic responses.
May cause drowsiness; avoid alcohol and operating machinery until effects are known. Use with caution in elderly, patients with glaucoma, urinary retention, or thyroid disorders. May interact with other CNS depressants. Consult healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy