Brontuss

Brontuss temporarily relieves coughs due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with upper respiratory tract infections or inhaled irritants, when complicated by viscous mucus. Dextromethorphan (Brontuss) hydrobromide suppresses the cough control center and relieves coughing. Guaifenesin (Brontuss) helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus, drain bronchial tubes, and make coughs more productive.

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss) is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Guaifenesin (Brontuss) is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss) and Guaifenesin (Brontuss) is a combination medicine used to treat cough and chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss) will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

There are many brands and forms of this medication available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss) and Guaifenesin (Brontuss) may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Usual Adult Dose for Cough:

Immediate release: Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 10 mg-200 mg oral capsule: 2 capsules every 4 hours/ not to exceed 12 capsules/day

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 5 mg-100 mg oral granule: 2 to 4 packets every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses/day

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 5 mg-100 mg/5 mL oral liquid: 10 mL to 20 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 120 mL/day

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL oral liquid: 10 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 60 mL/day

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 10 mg-200 mg/5 mL oral liquid: 10 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 60 mL/day

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 10 mg-200 mg/15 mL oral liquid: 30 mL orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 15 mg-200 mg/5 mL oral liquid: 10 mL every 6 hours, not to exceed 40 mL/day

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 20 mg-200 mg/10 mL oral liquid: 10 mL orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 20 mg-200 mg/30 mL oral liquid: 30 mL orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 20 mg-400 mg/5 mL oral liquid: 5 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 20 mg-400 mg/20 mL oral liquid: 20 mL orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours

Extended release:

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 30 mg-600 mg oral tablet, extended release: 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours, not to exceed 4 tablets/day

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 60 mg-1200 mg oral tablet, extended release: 1 tablet every 12 hours. Not to exceed 2 tablets/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough:

12 years and older: Follow adult dosing

Dosing varies by product, please refer to specific labeling:

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 5 mg-100 mg oral granule:

6 to 12 years: 1 to 2 packets every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses/day

Under 6 years: Do not use

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 5 mg-100 mg/5 mL oral liquid:

6 to 12 years: 5 mL to 10 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 60 mL/day

4 to 6 years: 2.5 mL to 5 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 30 mL/day

Under 4 years: Do not use

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL oral liquid:

6 to 12 years: 5 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 30 mL/day

2 to 6 years: 2.5 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 15 mL/day

Under 2 years: Do not use

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 10 mg-200 mg/15 mL oral liquid:

6 to 12 years: 15 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 30 mL/day

4 to 6 years: Ask a doctor

Under 4 years: Do not use

Dextromethorphan (Brontuss)-Guaifenesin (Brontuss) 20 mg-200 mg/10 mL oral liquid

6 to 12 years: 5 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 30 mL/day

2 to 6 years: 2.5 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 15 mL/day

Under 2 years: Do not use

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Brontuss?

* you are allergic to any ingredient in Brontuss Extended-Release Liquid

* you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, selegiline) within the last 14 days

* you are taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (eg, fluoxetine)

Use Brontuss extended-release tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Brontuss extended-release tablets by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Swallow Brontuss extended-release tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Some brands of Brontuss extended-release tablets may be broken in half before taking. If you have difficulty swallowing the whole tablet, ask your pharmacist if your brand of medicine may be broken in half.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Brontuss extended-release tablets is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• If you miss a dose of Brontuss extended-release tablets and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Brontuss extended-release tablets.

This combination medication is used to relieve coughs caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. Guaifenesin (Brontuss) belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier. Dextromethorphan (Brontuss) belongs to a class of drugs known as cough suppressants. It acts on a part of the brain (cough center) to reduce the urge to cough.

If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using this product to be sure it is right for you.

Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. This product (sustained-release) is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.

These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients. Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).

How to use Brontuss

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours with a full glass of water. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not take more than 2 doses in 24 hours. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed.

Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.

Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, death). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than directed.

Tell your doctor if your cough returns, or if it is accompanied by fever, severe sore throat, rash, persistent headache, or if it persists or worsens after 7 days. These may be signs of a serious medical problem. Seek immediate medical attention if you think you may have a serious medical problem.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Brontuss?

Furazolidone, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), or SSRIs (eg, fluoxetine) because the risk of toxic side effects may be increased by Brontuss

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Brontuss?

Paracetamol may cause pancreatitis, allergic reactions in the form of a rash or blood disorders (including neutropenia, pancytopenia, leucopenia, agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia). These should disappear on stopping the treatment. The rash usually appears as red areas or allergic wheals, and may be accompanied by fever and involvement of the mucous membranes.

The most common side-effect due to chlorpheniramine is sedation varying from slight drowsiness to deep sleep, including lassitude, dizziness, and inco-ordination. Paradoxical central nervous system stimulation may occur especially in children, with insomnia, nervousness, euphoria, irritability, tremors, and less frequently, nightmares, hallucinations, and convulsions.

Other side effects may include dry mouth; thickened respiratory tract secretions and tightness of the chest, blurred vision, urinary difficulty and retention, constipation and increased gastric reflux. In addition, gastro-intestinal disturbances may occur such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or epigastric pain.

Hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Blood disorders including agranulocytosis, leucopenia, haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia, have been reported. Other less frequently reported side-effects include hypotension, tinnitus, headache and paraesthesias.

Chloropheniramine should be given with care to patients with glaucoma, urinary retention, prostatic hypertrophy or pyloroduodenal obstruction. Caution is advised in patients with epilepsy and severe cardiovascular disorders.

Chlorpheniramine may enhance the sedative effect of central nervous system depressants including alcohol, barbiturates, hypnotic, analgesics, sedatives and tranquillisers. Care should be taken when taking medicines containing tricyclic anti-depressants or atropine together.

Elderly patients are more susceptible to the central nervous system depressant and lowering of blood pressure effects even at dose quantities effective for treatment.

The warning signs of damage caused by ototoxic medicines may be masked by chlorpheniramine.

Other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, barbiturates, hyponotics, narcotic analgesics, sedatives and tranquillisers, if taken together will increase the chance of sedation. Be careful when taking medicines containing tricyclic anti-depressants or atropine together.

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride may cause giddiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, thirst, rapid or irregular heart beat (tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia), pain in front of the heart (precordial pain), palpitations, raised blood pressure (hypertension), micturition, difficulty in urination, muscular weakness, tremors, anxiety, restlessness and inability to sleep, fear, confusion, psychotic states, reduced appetite, dyspnoea, sweating, hypersalivation, altered metabolism including disturbance in glucose metabolism. Tolerance with dependence may occur after continued use.

The effects of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride are lessened by medicines containing guanethidine, reserpine, methyldopa and may be diminished or enhanced by tricyclic antidepressants. It may increase the possibility of irregular heart beat in patients taking digitalis.

Pseudoephedrine may increase blood pressure and therefore special care is advisable in patients receiving antihypertensive therapy.