Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan

Generic Name: brompheniramine/carbetapentane/phenylephrine (Pronunciation: brome fen IR a meen, kar be ta PEN tane, fen il EF rin)

• What is brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?
• What are the possible side effects of brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?
• What is the most important information I should know about brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?
• How should I take brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?
• What happens if I overdose (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?
• What should I avoid while taking brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?
• What other drugs will affect brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?

Carbetapentane is a cough suppressant.

Brompheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

The combination of brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine is used to treat cough and nasal congestion associated with allergies or the common cold.

Brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur with this medication, such as:

• dryness of the eyes, nose, or mouth;
• drowsiness or dizziness;
• blurred vision;
• difficulty urinating; or
• excitation (in children).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine (BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan)?

Do not use brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine.

Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Brompheniramine or phenylephrine are contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains brompheniramine, carbetapentane, or phenylephrine.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by brompheniramine, carbetapentane, and phenylephrine.

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