What is Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine? Uses, warnings & side effects

Medically reviewed by Karen BergerPharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist
Updated Dec 18, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020
Fact Checked

If you suffer from allergies, a cold, or the flu, your doctor might prescribe brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan HBR. This medication relieves symptoms like a dry cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan HBR does not cure illness and does not treat infection.

Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Bromfed DM

Generic Names:

  • Bromphen-PSE-DM

Uses:

  • Treats symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and cough caused by hay fever, colds, or flu.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihistamine/Decongestant/Antitussive Combination, Cold/Cough Agent

Forms:

  • Oral liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine used for?

Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan HBR is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of the common cold, flu, allergies, hay fever, or other illnesses. This medication contains three ingredients: brompheniramine (an antihistamine), pseudoephedrine (a nasal decongestant), and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan HBR helps relieve dry cough, runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and other symptoms. 

Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan HBR is a generic combination medication also sold under the brand name Bromfed DM. The individual components in this medication have been available for years (alone, as well as in other combination medications, both over-the-counter and prescription drugs).

Key takeaways

  • This medication contains three ingredients: brompheniramine (an antihistamine), pseudoephedrine (a nasal decongestant), and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). It is used to treat symptoms of a cold or allergies, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and a dry cough.

  • Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more medication than prescribed. 

  • Measure with a medicinal measuring device such as an oral syringe or medicine measuring cup. Do not use kitchen or household measuring devices to measure medication. 

  • Keep this medication out of reach and sight of children and pets.

  • Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not drive until you know how this medicine affects you. 

What form(s) does Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine come in?

  • Oral liquid: each teaspoonful (5 mL) contains 2 mg brompheniramine, 30 mg pseudoephedrine, and 10 mg dextromethorphan

What are common Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine dosages?

  • Use only as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Take exactly as directed and do not exceed the prescribed dose. 

  • Adults and adolescents 12 years and older: 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) by mouth every 4 hours as needed. Older adults may be prescribed lower doses to reduce the risk of side effects.

  • Children 6 years to under 12 years old: 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) by mouth every 4 hours as needed.

  • Young children 2 years to under 6 years old: 2.5 mL (½ teaspoonful) by mouth every 4 hours as needed.

  • Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours.

  • Measure the liquid with a medicinal measuring device such as an oral syringe or medicine dosing cup. Do not use kitchen measuring devices to measure medication.

Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine images - What does Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine look like?

  • Pseudoeph-Bromphen-DM
    118ml of 30-2-10mg/5ml bottle

  • Pseudoeph-Bromphen-DM
    473ml of 30-2-10mg/5ml bottle

  • Pseudoeph-Bromphen-DM
    5ml of 30-2-10mg/5ml cup

How to take Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Read the information leaflet that comes with your prescription. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

  • Measure the oral liquid with a marked medicine spoon, oral syringe, medicine cup, or medicine dropper.

  • Store at room temperature, away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Keep all medicine out of reach and out of sight from children and pets. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Never share your medicine with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or healthcare professional about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine

  • This medication is taken only as needed. If you miss a dose, and it has been at least 4 hours since your last dose, you can take one dose. However, do not double up or take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Always wait at least 4 hours in between doses. Do not exceed 6 doses per 24 hours.

Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine contraindications - Who shouldn't take Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine?

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any cough or cold medicine. 

  • You should not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. 

  • Do not use this medication if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. If you are in the second or third trimester, or are breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider. 

  • Others who should not use this medication include individuals who have urinary problems, glaucoma, coronary artery disease, or severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure. 

  • Before using this medication, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions and the medications you take, including prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements.

Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine warnings

  • Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

  • This medicine can make you drowsy or restless. Avoid taking at bedtime if it makes you restless. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, seizure disorders, asthma, emphysema, an enlarged prostate, urinary blockage, or an overactive thyroid.

  • If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they get worse, call your doctor. If you have a severe sore throat, headache, rash, fever, thick yellow or green mucus, or any other concerning symptoms, call your doctor.

  • Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much. Always read the prescription label closely so you give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure how to measure this medication.

Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine interactions & what to avoid when taking Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine

  • Avoid drinking alcohol or using any other medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, other cold and allergy medicines, narcotic pain relievers, and anxiety medications.

  • If you take medication for high blood pressure, check with your doctor.

Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine side effects - How does Brompheniramine-Dextromethorphan-Pseudoephedrine make you feel?

Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you are having a medical emergency. Symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, require emergency medical help.

Serious Side Effects

  • Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

  • Bleeding or bruising

  • Seizures

  • Severe headache

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat

  • Sedation

  • Dizziness

  • Thickened bronchial secretions

  • Trouble urinating

  • Nausea

Medically reviewed by Karen BergerPharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist

After receiving her doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Karen Berger, Pharm.D., has worked in both chain and independent community pharmacies. She currently works at an independent pharmacy in New Jersey. Dr. Berger enjoys helping patients understand medical conditions and medications—both in person as a pharmacist, and online as a medical writer and reviewer.

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