PRECAUTIONS

General

Because of its antihistamine component, Bromfed® DM Cough Syrup should be used with caution in patients with a history of bronchial asthma, narrow angle glaucoma, gastrointestinal obstruction, or urinary bladder neck obstruction. Because of its sympathomimetic component, Bromfed® DM Cough Syrup should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or thyroid disease.

Information for Patients

Patients should be warned about engaging in activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving a car or operating dangerous machinery.

Drug Interactions

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors

Hyperpyrexia, hypotension, and death have been reported coincident with the coadministration of MAO inhibitors and products containing dextromethorphan. In addition, MAO inhibitors prolong and intensify the anticholinergic (drying) effects of antihistamines and may enhance the effect of pseudoephedrine. Concomitant administration of Bromfed® DM Cough Syrup and MAO inhibitors should be avoided (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants

Antihistamines have additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants (hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antianxiety agents, etc.).

Antihypertensive drugs

Sympathomimetic may reduce the effects of antihypertensive drugs.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Animal studies of Bromfed® DM Cough Syrup to assess the carcinogenic and mutagenic potential or the effect on fertility have not been performed.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Bromfed® DM Cough Syrup. It is also not known whether Bromfed® DM Cough Syrup can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. It should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Reproduction studies of brompheniramine maleate (a component of Bromfed® DM Cough Syrup) in rats and mice at doses up to 16 times the maximum human doses have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers

Because of the higher risk of intolerance of antihistamines in small infants generally, and in newborns and prematures in particular, Bromfed® DM Cough Syrup is contraindicated in nursing mothers.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 6 months have not been established (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Bromfed® DM Cough Syrup did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. However, antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sedation, and hypotension in elderly patients. The elderly are also more likely to experience adverse reactions to sympathomimetics.

In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.