Health Encyclopedia
Brompheniramine overdose
Definition
Brompheniramine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine, which helps relieve allergy symptoms. Brompheniramine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
Poisonous Ingredient
- Brompheniramine
- Brompheniramine maleate
Where Found
Brompheniramine may be found in the following brand-name products:
- Bromphen
- Chlorphed
- Dimetane
- Dimetapp
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms
- Bladder and kidneys
- Inability to urinate
- Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
- Blurred vision
- Dilated pupils
- Dry mouth
- Heart and blood vessels
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
- Nervous system
- Agitation
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Delirium
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Nervousness
- Tremor
- Unsteadiness
- Skin
- Flushed skin
- Stomach and intestines
- Vomiting
Home Care
Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- When it was swallowed
- The amount swallowed
Poison Control
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See National Poison Control center.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Laxative
- Tube thru the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
Outlook (Prognosis)
If the patient survives the first 24 hours, chances of survival are good. Few patients actually die from an antihistamine overdose.
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
