Dimetapp is an over-the-counter cold and allergy medicine that is commonly used to provide temporary relief of nasal and sinus congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and itchy nose and throat caused by colds, hay fever, and allergies.
What are the active ingredients in Dimetapp?
The active ingredients in Dimetapp products vary depending on the specific formulation. Most Dimetapp products contain some combination of the following active ingredients:
- Brompheniramine maleate – an antihistamine that relieves watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itching of the nose and throat
- Phenylephrine HCl – a nasal decongestant that relieves nasal congestion and sinus pressure
- Dextromethorphan HBr – a cough suppressant that relieves coughing
- Acetaminophen – a pain reliever and fever reducer
The most common Dimetapp formulations contain a combination of brompheniramine maleate and phenylephrine HCl. This provides relief for nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes caused by colds and allergies.
What are the uses and indications for Dimetapp?
Dimetapp is indicated for the temporary relief of the following cold and allergy symptoms:
- Nasal congestion
- Sinus pressure and congestion
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itching of the nose and throat
- Cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation
- Headache
- Fever
- Body aches and pains
It can be used to relieve symptoms caused by:
- Common colds
- Hay fever
- Allergic rhinitis
- Other upper respiratory allergies
Dimetapp is approved for use in both adults and children ages 2 years and older. Specific pediatric formulations are available for infants and young children.
How does Dimetapp work?
Dimetapp contains a combination of active ingredients that work in different ways to relieve allergy and cold symptoms:
- Antihistamines like brompheniramine maleate block the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. This stops runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and sneezing.
- Decongestants like phenylephrine constrict swollen nasal blood vessels. This shrinks swollen nasal tissue and relieves congestion and sinus pressure.
- Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan suppress the urge to cough by acting on cough centers in the brain.
- Pain relievers/fever reducers like acetaminophen reduce aches, pain, headache, and fever.
Using multiple ingredients that provide relief in different ways results in broader, more complete relief of cold and allergy symptoms.
What are the side effects of Dimetapp?
Dimetapp is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, like any medicine it can cause some minor side effects including:
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset
- Restlessness or excitability, especially in children
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nervousness or anxiety
Reducing dosage can help relieve these side effects. Drinking plenty of fluids and getting lots of rest can also help.
Dimetapp should not be used by people who are allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients. It should also be avoided by people taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or who have glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or difficulty urinating.
Dimetapp is not recommended for use in children under 2 years old. Proper pediatric dosing should be followed closely to avoid side effects in infants and young children.
What are the dosage forms and strengths of Dimetapp?
Dimetapp is available in several formulations tailored for specific age groups and symptoms:
Dimetapp for Adults
- Dimetapp Cold & Cough Day/Night Caplets – brompheniramine maleate 6 mg, phenylephrine HCl 10 mg, dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg
- Dimetapp Cold & Sinus Day/Night Liquicaps – acetaminophen 325 mg, brompheniramine maleate 2 mg, phenylephrine HCl 5 mg
- Dimetapp Sinus Liquicaps – brompheniramine maleate 2 mg, phenylephrine HCl 5 mg
Dimetapp for Children
- Dimetapp Children’s Cold & Cough – brompheniramine maleate 1 mg/5 mL, phenylephrine HCl 2.5 mg/5 mL
- Dimetapp Children’s Cold & Allergy – brompheniramine maleate 1 mg/5 mL, phenylephrine HCl 2.5 mg/5 mL
- Dimetapp Infant Drops Decongestant – phenylephrine HCl 2.5 mg/mL
Dimetapp also offers several combination products containing Dimetapp plus additional medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cough suppressants, and expectorants.
How should Dimetapp be taken?
Dimetapp should be taken exactly as directed on the package labeling or as instructed by a doctor. Here are some general guidelines for taking Dimetapp:
- Take with a full glass of water.
- Do not exceed recommended doses. More is not better.
- Measure liquid doses carefully using the included dosing cup.
- Take every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
- Take Dimetapp Cold + Flu at the first signs of symptoms, then continue as needed.
- Dimetapp is not intended for long-term daily use. Discontinue when symptoms resolve.
- Talk to a doctor before giving Dimetapp to children under 6 years old.
- Keep the recommended dosage schedule for children based on age and weight.
Dimetapp should not be used by anyone who is allergic to it, taking an MAOI, or who has certain medical conditions. It is important to read and follow all package directions carefully.
How does Dimetapp interact with other medications?
Dimetapp contains ingredients that can potentially interact with a variety of prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Some key interactions to be aware of include:
- Antihistamines – Using Dimetapp with other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can increase side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.
- Decongestants – Taking Dimetapp with other decongestant nasal sprays or medications can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
- Antidepressants – Dimetapp may interact with MAO inhibitors, SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antidepressants. Serious reactions are possible.
- Sedatives – Phenylephrine may interact with anxiety medicines, sleep medications, and sedatives resulting in increased sedation.
- Blood pressure medications – Phenylephrine can reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure lowering medications.
Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking Dimetapp with other prescription, OTC, herbal, or dietary medications. Allow at least 4 hours between doses of Dimetapp and other medicines with similar effects.
Is Dimetapp safe for pregnant or nursing women?
Dimetapp has not been extensively studied for use in pregnant or nursing women. However, the following general recommendations apply:
- Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using Dimetapp, especially in the first trimester.
- Dimetapp is considered unlikely to cause harm during later pregnancy when used occasionally as directed.
- Brompheniramine and phenylephrine are considered compatible with breastfeeding in small intermittent doses.
- Infant dosing guidelines should be followed closely if giving Dimetapp to nursing mothers.
- Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan have not been studied during pregnancy and should be avoided.
Pregnant and nursing women should always consult their doctor before taking any kind of cold medicine or allergy medication like Dimetapp.
Who should not take Dimetapp?
Dimetapp should not be used by certain people due to risks for side effects or interactions:
- Children under 2 years of age
- Anyone with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Dimetapp ingredients
- Those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) – hypertensive crisis can occur
- People with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate issues, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, seizures
- People having trouble urinating due to bladder-neck obstruction
Dimetapp is also not recommended for those who are very ill with high fever or those with chronic health conditions except under medical direction. Proper pediatric dosing based on age and weight is crucial.
Is Dimetapp banned in any countries?
Dimetapp is sold in over 50 countries worldwide and is generally recognized as safe and effective when used appropriately. However, some countries have imposed certain restrictions or regulations on ingredients found in Dimetapp products, including:
- Phenylephrine – Restricted in some amount in Japan, Argentina, Greece, Portugal, and Spain.
- Brompheniramine – Banned as an over-the-counter medication in Japan, Argentina, Greece, and several other countries.
- Dextromethorphan – Restricted to prescription-only in many countries including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe.
So while Dimetapp itself is not outright “banned” in these countries, some formulations and ingredients are prohibited from over-the-counter sale. Regulations are in place to encourage proper medical supervision for these medicines.
What are some alternatives to Dimetapp?
There are a number of over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines that can be used as alternatives to Dimetapp, including:
| Active Ingredient(s) | Brand Name Examples |
|---|---|
| Chlorpheniramine + Phenylephrine | Alka-Seltzer Plus Sinus & Cold |
| Acetaminophen + Diphenhydramine | Tylenol Cold + Flu |
| Ibuprofen + Pseudoephedrine | Advil Cold & Sinus |
| Loratadine | Alavert, Claritin |
| Cetirizine | Zyrtec |
| Fexofenadine | Allegra |
There are also many generic and store-brand versions of allergy and cold combination medicines. Talk to a pharmacist about alternatives comparable to Dimetapp based on desired ingredients and symptoms.
Key Points
- Dimetapp relieves multiple cold and allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, cough, and more.
- It contains a combination of brompheniramine (antihistamine), phenylephrine (decongestant), and sometimes dextromethorphan (cough suppressant).
- Dimetapp is available in adult and pediatric formulations for Ages 2+ in forms like tablets, liquid capsules, and syrups.
- Proper dosing instructions should be followed carefully, especially for children under 12.
- Dimetapp is considered relatively safe but can cause minor side effects or interactions with some medications.
- Pregnant/nursing women and those with certain medical conditions should consult a doctor before use.
- Many comparable over-the-counter allergy meds are available as alternatives to Dimetapp.
The Bottom Line
When used as directed, Dimetapp can provide effective temporary relief from multiple nasal and respiratory allergy and cold symptoms in both children and adults. But like any medicine, proper dosage guidelines and precautions should be followed closely. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about using Dimetapp.