BetaTan

Generic name: Brompheniramine/carbetapentane/phenylephrine
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Usage of BetaTan

BetaTan is a suspension (liquid) containing a combination of Brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine. It contains an antihistamine, a cough suppressant and a decongestant.

BetaTan is used to treat cough and nasal congestion associated with allergies or the common cold, including sinus congestion, pressure, runny nose, sneezing, and cough.

BetaTan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

BetaTan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur with BetaTan, such as:

dryness of the eyes, nose, or mouth;

drowsiness or dizziness;

blurred vision;

difficulty urinating; or

excitation (in children).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking BetaTan

Do not use BetaTan if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take BetaTan before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not take BetaTan if you are allergic to brompheniramine, carbetapentane, or phenylephrine. These medications are contained in many cough, cold, and allergy medications.

Before taking BetaTan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

a history of head injury or seizure disorder;

sleep apnea (periods of not breathing during sleep);

thyroid problems;

asthma, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

gallbladder disease;

Addison's disease;

diabetes;

glaucoma;

an ulcer or an obstruction in the stomach;

bladder problems or difficulty urinating;

an enlarged prostate;

high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or any type of heart disease;

kidney disease; or

liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use brompheniramine, carbetapentane, and phenylephrine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

BetaTan may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. BetaTan can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use BetaTan without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from BetaTan.

Relate drugs

How to use BetaTan

Take BetaTan exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you develop a fever.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What other drugs will affect BetaTan

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect brompheniramine, carbetapentane, and phenylephrine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.