How does it work?

This medicine contains three active ingredients, brompheniramine maleate, phenylephrine hydrochloride and phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride Brompheniramine belongs to a group of medicines called sedating antihistamines. Histamine is a chemical produced by the body. It is stored in cells (mast cells) in almost all tissues of the body and is released when the body reacts to a foreign substance (allergen) such as flower pollen. Histamine may then bind to receptors (H-1 receptors) in many areas of the body causing an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy, and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response. This stimulates the symptoms of an allergic reaction such as inflammation of the skin, airways or tissues, rashes, itching of the skin, eyes or nose, nasal congestion or narrowing of the airways. Brompheniramine acts by blocking the binding of histamine to receptors in the body, thus relieving the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction. Phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine belong to a group of medicines known as sympathomimetics. They act by stimulating alpha adrenergic receptors. In the lining of the nose and sinuses, phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine act on alpha receptors in the muscles of the blood vessel walls, causing the muscles to contract. This results in a narrowing of the blood vessels and therefore decreased blood flow to the lining of the nose and sinuses. By decreasing blood flow, fluid congestion in the nose and sinuses is reduced. The combination of these three medicines is used to treat the symptoms of hayfever and colds, such as runny nose, itchy eyes and nasal congestion.

What is it used for?

Relief from the symptoms of colds and flu

Relief of symptoms of hayfever

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

Children taking this product should not be left unattended for long periods.

Some preparations of this medicine are not recommended for use in children under certain ages. Consult the package literature for further information.

Use with caution in

Diabetes

Not to be used in

Brain damage

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Disease state which is causing the patient to become unconcious (pre-comatose state)

Enlarged prostate

Epilepsy

Glaucoma

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Hyperthyroidism

Individuals who have been taking tricyclic antidepressants in the previous 14 days

People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) in the last 14 days

Thyrotoxicosis

Unresponsive unconscious states (comatose states)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Constipation

Blurred vision

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Drowsiness

Confusion

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Restlessness

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

Fever (pyrexia)

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Anxiety and agitation

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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