dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine
Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) is a combination of two medications that are used to treat symptoms from allergies and the common cold. It's available as a tablet and an oral liquid that's taken by mouth. This medication is available without a prescription, but you'll have to purchase it from behind the pharmacy counter because of the pseudoephedrine.
What is Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine)?
What is Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) used for?
Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose or throat
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Stuffy nose
- Sinus pressure
How Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) works
Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) is a combination of two medications that work together to relieve symptoms caused by allergies and the common cold.
- Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical in your body that causes sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose, and other allergy or cold symptoms.
- Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It tightens blood vessels around your nose and sinuses to help clear your sinuses to relieve pressure.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Acticon, BIO-CNEX, Conex |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antihistamine / Decongestant |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Controlled in some states. See FAQs below. |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
Side effects of Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
Less Common Side Effects
- Constipation
- Trouble urinating
- Headache
- Changes in vision like blurred or double vision
- Trouble sleeping
Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Excessive sleepiness or dizziness
- Taking too much (signs of an overdose): flushed skin, vision changes, seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness
The following Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Increase in blood pressure
- Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
- Trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Anxiety, nervousness
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Pros and cons of Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine)
Pros
- Available as tablets and a liquid
- Liquids are fruit-flavored for better taste.
- Starts working within 30 minutes
- Conveniently combines two medications in each dose
- Available over the counter
Cons
- Might need to take every 4 to 6 hours for the best symptom relief
- More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed-dose combination of two medications
- Not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females without talking to a provider first
- Some states have certain restrictions on how to purchase it.
Pharmacist tips for Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine)
- You can take Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking the medication with food.
- Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) can make you sleepy or dizzy during the day, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. Don't drive until you know how the medication affects you. Avoid alcohol because it will make sleepiness and dizziness worse.
- While Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) usually makes adults sleepy, it's possible for children who use the medication to become overly excited or energetic. If this happens to your child, speak to your child's provider.
- Stop using Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) and contact your provider if you get nervous, dizzy, or can't sleep; if your symptoms don't get better within 7 days of starting the medication; or if you develop a fever or any new symptoms. These might be signs of a more serious medical condition. Other medications might be more appropriate for your condition.
- Don't start any new medications while taking Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine), especially other antihistamines or decongestants, without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of overdose and severe side effects, including daytime sleepiness, dizziness, seizures, changes in blood pressure, or even death.
- Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you're taking to make sure Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) is safe for you. Don't take Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) if you're taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as selegiline (Eldepryl) or phenelzine (Nardil), within the past 2 weeks. This combination can cause dangerous changes to your blood pressure. If you've taken an MAOI in the past 2 weeks, contact your provider for other options to treat your symptoms.
For liquid forms:
- Use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure your dose of Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine). Don't use household spoons because they aren't accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.
- Liquid forms of Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) are typically stored at room temperature. But make sure to check the manufacturer packaging to see if you need to put it in the refrigerator.
Risks and warnings for Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine)
Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Sleepiness
- Risk factors: Drinking alcohol while taking Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Age 65 or older
Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) can make you very sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you're 65 years or older, drink alcohol while taking this medication, or take other medications that cause sleepiness, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or sleep medications. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Worsening of medical conditions
- Risk factors: Glaucoma | Heart disease or high blood pressure | Thyroid problems | High blood sugar (diabetes) | Breathing problems | Urinary problems
Don't take Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it's safe to do so. Taking Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all the medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine).
Accidental overdose
Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) contains an antihistamine (dexbrompheniramine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine), which are found in many other over-the-counter products. Using more than one medication containing an antihistamine or decongestant (including products used on the skin) can lead to an accidental overdose and cause serious side effects. These effects can include high blood pressure, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, seizures, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), or even death.
Tell your provider or pharmacist about the medications you take before starting Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) to make sure it's safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has an antihistamine or a decongestant, ask your pharmacist. If you or your loved one experiences an accidental overdose, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) dosage
Typical dosage for Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine)
There are several manufacturers of this medication with different strengths of each ingredient, different dosage forms (e.g., tablet, solution), and different age cut-offs. The dose might slightly differ depending on which manufacturer of the medication you have.
Be sure to check the medication box carefully for specific directions. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about your product. There are a few examples of products listed below.
Tablets
Acticon and Conex: Each tablet contains 2 mg of dexbrompheniramine and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine.
- Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth every 4 to 6 hours while you're having symptoms. Don't use more than 4 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Children ages 6 to less than 12 years old: The typical dose is one-half tablet by mouth every 4 to 6 hours while your child is having symptoms. Don't use more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Children under 6 years old: Ask your child's provider.
Oral solution
Acticon: Each 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) contains 2 mg of dexbrompheniramine and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine.
- Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours while you're having symptoms. Don't use more than 4 doses in a 24-hour period.
- Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's provider.
BIO-CNEX and Conex: Each 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) contains 1 mg of dexbrompheniramine and 30 mg of pseudoephedrine.
- Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours while you're having symptoms. Don't use more than 4 doses in a 24-hour period.
- Children ages 6 to less than 12 years: The typical dose is 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours while your child is having symptoms. Don't use more than 4 doses in a 24-hour period.
- Children under 6 years old: Ask your child's provider.
Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Use as a sedative for children
- Take an MAOI in the last 14 days
What are alternatives to Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine)?
Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold:
Conex (dexbrompheniramine / pseudoephedrine) images
