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 Treatment

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, or a local emergency number

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)

Expectations (prognosis)

If the patient survives the first 24 hours, chances of survival are good. Few patients actually die from an antihistamine overdose.

Review Date:10/29/2007
Reviewed By:Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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