Health & Wellness

Uncovering the Story: Why Bromfed Was Discontinued

Bromfed is composed of three medications:

  • Brompheniramine: it’s function is to  reduce inflammation caused by colds or allergies.
  • Dextromethorphan: it acts as a cough suppressant that lowers your cough urges.
  • Pseudoephedrine: acts as a decongestant that clears your sinuses.

Bromfed is a common medicine. it was used to cure:

Common cold,

  • Flu,
  • Allergies, and
  • Respiratory illness.

it is available to you only on doctor’s prescription due to the presence of pseudoephedrine in it. Pseudoephedrine is a highly coveted component. it is used in the unauthorized production of methamphetamine. let us delve into the article to know more about why was Bromfed discontinued?

Uses of Bromfed:

Bromfed effectively tackles symptoms associated with the common cold, sinusitis, hay fever, and more.

There are many uses of Bromfed:

  • It is used to treat sneezing.  
  • Bromfed also treats watery or itchy eyes and reduces irritation.
  • It is used to cure the runny nose. It provides relief by treating nasal discomfort.
  • Bromfed can also treat your allergies that affect the upper respiratory tract or passage.
  • For the common cold, Bromfed is a good medication.
  • Bromfed is also prescribed in treating Allergic Rhinitis also called Hay Fever.
  • Your itchy throat or nose can also be cured by using Bromfed.
  • Sinusitis is also treated by using Bromfed. It reduces inflammation.
  • Bromfed is effective treatment for coughs associated with minor bronchial and throat irritation.
  • Bromfed can also treat the swelling of Nasal tract or passage, Nasal Congestion.

Side Effects of Bromfed:

Some of the commonly experienced side effects of Bromfed are:

  • Anxiousness
  • Unusual fatigue and tiredness
  • Sleepiness
  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat
  • Hypertension/hypotension
  • Dizziness
  • Thicker mucus
  • Other side effects may include feeling restless and headache.

These common side effects can fade away with time as your body adjusts to the medication. You need to consult your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen over time.

Serious Side Effects:

Some of the severe and serious side effects of Bromfed are:

  • Difficult urination
  • Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
  • Excessive sleepiness or dizziness
  • Hypertension
  • Tachycardia (increased heartbeat)
  • Hallucinations, loss of consciousness (signs of an overdose), and seizures
  • Serotonin syndrome (confusion, seizures, vomiting, difficulties in walking, chills, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, diarrhea, stiff muscles, and irregular or fast heartbeats)

The above side effects require medical attention. So, if you observe any, consult your doctor ASAP.

Drug Interactions of Bromfed:

If you are going to use any other medications for cough and cold along with Bromfed. There are certain factors to keep in mind:

Consultation with Healthcare Professional:

Before using any other medications, always consult your doctor. There may be some bad potential drug interactions.

Caution in Daily Activities:

Exercise caution in your daily activities unless you understand how Bromfed affects you. It may impact your body’s cognitive and motor functions. So, precaution is better.

Preventing Overheating or Dehydration:

Bromfed can reduce your sweating. it increases the susceptibility of heat stroke during physical activity or in hot conditions. Avoid overheating or dehydration.

Alcohol Consumption Warning:

Consuming alcohol while using Bromfed can have adverse effects. So, refrain from alcohol.

Why Bromfed is No Longer Available?

Why Was Bromfed Discontinued

Bromfed was once a common remedy. It is becoming obsolete now due to its main component pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is used for illicit methamphetamine production. Bromfed is still available but it is subjected to stringent regulation by drug regulatory bodies.

Pseudoephedrine in Bromfed is a precursor for methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and illegal psycho-stimulant drug.

So, that is the reason behind the discontinuation of Bromfed. It is done to prevent misuse.

Pseudoephedrine’s Role in Illicit Meth Production:

The fact that pseudoephedrine can be manipulated to produce meth. 

The illicit methamphetamine manufacturing process involves combining pseudoephedrine with various toxic chemicals in an unregulated environment. There is no supervision and quality control which makes the final product unpredictable and hazardous. 

This led to a strict decision to control Bromfed to prevent severe health and societal consequences.

Health Bodies/Agencies’ Perspective on Bromfed

Using Bromfed Syrup
Source

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) still recognizes that methamphetamine has medicinal value, however it is an extremely dangerous drug. 

It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It indicates that methamphetamine has some medical utility but also potential for abuse. It is very likely to produce physical dependence in people who use it over time. 

Many people are familiar with the drug’s street names, such as crystal meth, meth, and glass. The drug can be easily made in small clandestine laboratories, with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients such as pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in cold medications.

  • To stop the production of methamphetamine, Congress passed the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act in 2005. It requires that pharmacies and other retail stores keep logs of purchases of products containing pseudoephedrine and limits the amount of those products an individual can purchase per day. 
  • Restrictions on the chemicals used to make methamphetamine in the United States have dramatically reduced domestic production of the drug.

FAQs:

Q1. What happens if I miss significant doses of Bromfed and what do I do?

If you miss the significant dose of Bromfed, it may lose its efficacy in treating your ailment. Take the missed dose at the next scheduled time. Avoid exceeding the prescribed amount. Consult your doctor for guidance.

Q2. What happens if you overdose on Bromfed and what do I do?

The overdose of Bromfed may result in severe side effects:
Depression, 
Irregular heartbeats, 
Extreme drowsiness, 
Loss of coordination, 
Seizures, and
Potentially fatal outcomes. 
So, contact your doctor ASAP. Tell them about the quantity and time of overdose.

Q3. What is the over-the-counter version of Bromfed?

Brompheniramine/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine is available without a prescription. It serves as an OTC alternative for treating nasal congestion and cough under various brand names, including Bromfed-DM.

Q4. Is codeine syrup the same thing as Bromfed Cough Syrup?

Codeine syrup and Bromfed cough syrup are different. Codeine is an opioid occasionally used as a cough suppressant. While Bromfed Cough Syrup is opiate-free.

Q5. Where can I buy Bromfed?

Bromfed is exclusively available with a doctor’s prescription and can be purchased at hospitals or pharmacies.

Q6. Are Dimetapp and Bromfed the same?

Yes, both Dimetapp and Bromfed are the same. They both contain brompheniramine, a first-generation antihistamine which is used for addressing common cold and allergic rhinitis symptoms like: 
Runny nose,
Itchy eyes, 
Watery eyes, and 
Sneezing.

Conclusion

Bromfed is a common medication used to treat common cold, etc. We aim to tall you the reason behind why Bromfed was discontinued? The reason is that it contains pseudoephedrine, which can be used to produce the drugs. The drugs can be addictive and worse for health. To prevent the illegal production of  methamphetamine, there are stringent regulations. It is one of the good steps to prevent the society from addicted drugs and ensure their health safety.

Medical Disclaimer: We only provide information for educational purposes. Do not consider it a medical advice for you. In case of need, consult the healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Kelly Han

Dr. Kelly Han is a seasoned medical professional with a passion for holistic wellness and integrative health. Based in San Francisco, her expertise spans across various domains of health, from fitness and skincare to oral health and weight management. Understanding the intricate connections between different aspects of health, Dr. Han believes in a comprehensive approach. Whether it's the latest skincare regimen, effective weight loss strategies, or understanding hormonal imbalances, she's dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based advice and actionable insights on a wide array of health topics. Through her articles, Dr. Han aims to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being, offering them the knowledge and tools they need to lead healthier, more vibrant lives. Join her in exploring the multifaceted world of health, beauty, and wellness.

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