What is V-Cof?

Carbetapentane is a cough suppressant.

Brompheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

The combination of brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine is used to treat cough and nasal congestion associated with allergies or the common cold.

Brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking V-Cof?

Do not use brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine 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 brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to brompheniramine, carbetapentane, or phenylephrine. These medications are contained in many cough, cold, and allergy medications.

Before taking this medication, 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.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

V-Cof Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of V-Cof?

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 this medication, 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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

V-Cof Interactions

What other drugs affect V-Cof?

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.

What should I avoid while taking V-Cof?

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine.

Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Brompheniramine or phenylephrine are contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains brompheniramine, carbetapentane, or phenylephrine.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by brompheniramine, carbetapentane, and phenylephrine.

V-Cof Dosage

How should I take V-Cof?

Take this medication 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 happens if I overdose on V-Cof?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine overdose may include dry mouth, large pupils, warmth or tingling under the skin, nausea, vomiting, restless feeling, or hallucinations.

What happens if I miss a dose of V-Cof?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com