Dimetapp
It contains a combination of phenylephrine and brompheniramine. Phenylephrine is a drug that belongs to a group of medications called nasal decongestants. It works by shrinking blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Brompheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of histamine, a neurotransmitter that can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Uses
It is typically used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergies or the common cold, including a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Note – it is not used for coughs with a lot of mucus, or for ongoing coughs from asthma, smoking, or other long-term breathing problems unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose for children is 10mL every 4 hours. The maximum dose is 6 doses every 24 hours. Do not use for children under 6 years old. The usual recommended dose for adults is 20mL every 4 hours. The maximum intake is 6 doses every 24 hours.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- dry mouth;
- dry nose;
- blurred vision;
- problems with concentration;
- drowsiness;
- feeling restless or excited;
- dizziness;
- loss of appetite;
- constipation;
- stomach pain;
- nausea.
Rare side effects may include:
- extra heartbeat;
- hypertension;
- severe headaches;
- blood disorder;
- stroke;
- chest tightness;
- hallucinations;
- blurred vision;
- seizures;
- dryness of the nose;
- nightmares;
- a sensation of spinning;
- problems with eyesight;
- excessive sweating;
- ringing in the ears;
- involuntary quivering;
- sun-sensitive skin;
- hives;
- rash;
- itching;
- throat dryness;
- insomnia;
- painful urination;
- heart pounding;
- stomach cramps;
- feel like throwing up;
- over excitement;
- confusion.
To be sure that this medicine is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have other medical conditions, particularly:
- a blockage in the intestines or stomach;
- glaucoma (a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve, that is essential to good vision);
- a cough caused by emphysema (in sufferers with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs are damaged), smoking, or chronic bronchitis;
- a cough with mucus;
- asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
- type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- overactive thyroid;
- if you consume more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day;
- if you take a potassium supplement;
- an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
- urination problems;
- enlarged prostate;
- a recent heart attack;
- kidney disease;
- coronary artery disease;
- heart disease;
- liver disease;
- hypertension.
Triaminic
It is a medicine that contains dextromethorphan and phenylephrine. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that affects the signals in the brain which trigger the cough reflex.
Uses
It is a medicine used for a sore throat and nasal congestion. Moreover, it is efficient for sinus congestion.
Dosage
The usual recommended dosage is 5 ml every 4 hours. The maximum recommended dose is 6 doses in 24 hours. Do not give this medicine to children under 4 years of age.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness;
- diarrhea;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- dizziness;
- feeling nervous.
Rare side effects may include:
- severe dizziness;
- uneven heart rate;
- severe headaches;
- mood changes;
- a feeling like you might pass out;
- fever;
- anxiety;
- uneven heartbeats;
- chest pain;
- buzzing in the ears;
- blurred vision.
To be sure that this medication is good for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- coronary artery disease;
- a cough caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema;
- a cough with mucus;
- high blood pressure;
- glaucoma;
- urination problems;
- type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- enlarged prostate;
- pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor);
- epilepsy.
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women since it increases the risk of delivering prematurely and a low birth weight. Also, there are no conclusive clinical studies about its safe use by nursing women.
Because a dangerous drug interaction could occur, do not use this medication if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) in the past two weeks. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors include linezolid, isocarboxazid, rasagiline, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline.
Dimetapp vs Triaminic – Differences
Dimetapp Children’s Cold & Allergy is an OTC medicine that is used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and the common cold. It is actually a medication that contains 2 ingredients – phenylephrine and brompheniramine (an antihistamine that relieves sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes).
Triaminic Cold and Cough is a combination medication (dextromethorphan and phenylephrine) which is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, cough, itching, sneezing, and watery eyes caused by the common cold, allergies, or the flu.
In conclusion, both these medicines have the same active ingredients (dextromethorphan and phenylephrine), but are produced by different pharmaceutical companies and have different prices.
Natural Alternatives To Cold Medicines For Children
#1 Onion
Onion contains allicin, an active plant compound that has been known to have potent antibacterial properties. Even the World Health Organization supports the use of onions for the prevention of atherosclerosis and the treatment of poor appetite. Also, onion is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, folate (also known as vitamin B9), and potassium.
#2 Echinacea
Echinacea is known to reduce many of the symptoms of flu and colds and to boost the immune system. Furthermore, echinacea can help eliminate free radicals by stimulating the proper immune system cells, therefore, it helps to prevent the development of cancer. You may take it in the form of a tea or a diluted tincture.
#3 Ginseng
Ginseng is an herbal plant found in eastern Asia and North America. It is considered an adaptogen, which means it helps the body to better withstand physical and mental stress. Also, it can help cure the flu or a cold, and to prevent future colds.
#4 Chamomile
Chamomile is considered a medicinal plant and has been used for centuries to relieve stomach ailments and the common cold. Chamomile can be served as a tea or used in a bath.
#5 Water
Keeping yourself hydrated is vital to flush out germs, hence, if you have a cold, increase your intake of water and herbal teas.
Image credit – Shutterstock & Getty
READ THIS NEXT: Linzess vs Amitiza – Uses
References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/journals/clin-trials-metaanal/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23575051 https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/consult-labelling-cough-cold-091022