Brompheniramine Overdose

Definition

This poisoning occurs when you take a large amount of brompheniramine, an antihistamine.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Brompheniramine
• Brompheniramine maleate

Where Found

• Dimetane
• Dimetapp
• Bromphen
• Chlorphed

Symptoms

• Whole body
  • Fever
• Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Dilated pupils
  • Dry mouth
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Increased blood pressure
• Nervous system
  • Coma
  • Agitation
  • Drowsiness
  • Nervousness
  • Hallucinations
  • Disorientation
  • Delirium
  • Unsteadiness
  • Tremor
  • Convulsions
• Skin
  • Flushed skin
• Bladder and kidneys
  • Inability to urinate
• Gastrointestinal
  • Vomiting

Home Treatment

DO NOT make the person throw up.

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. The patient may receive:

• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach  (gastric lavage)
• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• Medicines to treat the symptoms
• ECG (electrocardiogram)

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Review Date:2/28/2006
Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.