Why is this medication prescribed?
Brompheniramine is an antihistamine drug of the propylamine class.
This medicine is commonly available over the counter and is indicated for the treatment of the symptoms of the common cold and allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and sneezing. It also may relieve the itching of insect bites, bee stings, poison ivy, and poison oak.
Antihistamines mechanism:
Human cells have three different types of histamine receptors (H1, H2, and H3). Histamine works by attaching itself to these receptors on the surface of cells and thereby causing its effects. It is mainly through the H1 receptors that histamine causes symptoms of allergy. Antihistamines act by attaching to these same H1 receptor sites, thereby preventing histamine from binding to them. This action prevents the histamine from causing allergic symptoms.
Histamines can cause swelling, sneezing, itching (nose, throat, roof of mouth), and a runny nose through the nostrils or down the back of the throat (post-nasal drip). Antihistamines are effective in treating the sneezing, running, and itching. They usually begin working between 30 to 60 minutes after being taken.
However, histamine is only one of the many chemicals involved in the allergic reaction, which explains why relief from antihistamines is usually only partial.
Dosage and using this medicine
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?