Bromfed Dosing Guidelines for Children
The recommended dosage of Bromfed (brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine) for children varies by age group: children 6-12 years should receive 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) every 4 hours, children 2-6 years should receive 2.5 mL (½ teaspoonful) every 4 hours, and infants 6 months to 2 years require physician-established dosing. 1
Age-Specific Dosing
Bromfed contains brompheniramine (an antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). The FDA-approved dosing guidelines are:
- Adults and children ≥12 years: 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) every 4 hours
- Children 6 to <12 years: 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) every 4 hours
- Children 2 to <6 years: 2.5 mL (½ teaspoonful) every 4 hours
- Infants 6 months to <2 years: Dosage must be established by a physician
Do not exceed 6 doses in a 24-hour period for any age group.
Important Safety Considerations
Young Children
Special caution is needed when administering Bromfed to young children, particularly those under 2 years of age:
- Children under 2 years are at highest risk for toxicity from pseudoephedrine-containing products 2
- Safe dosing recommendations are lacking for this age group
- A physician must establish the appropriate dose for infants 6 months to 2 years
Concerning Patterns to Avoid
Research has identified potentially dangerous usage patterns:
- Taking multiple pseudoephedrine-containing products concurrently (observed in 7.5% of pediatric users) 2
- Extended use beyond one week (observed in 25% of pediatric users) 2
Pharmacokinetics in Children
Brompheniramine has distinct pharmacokinetic properties in children:
- Peak concentration occurs at approximately 3.2 hours after administration
- Terminal elimination half-life is about 12.4 hours
- A single dose produces prompt, long-lasting H1-blockade that can last up to 30 hours 3
Administration Tips
- Liquid formulations are generally preferred for children as they are more readily absorbed than tablets
- Measure doses accurately using the provided measuring device
- Do not exceed the recommended frequency (every 4 hours) or daily limit (6 doses in 24 hours)
- For children under 6 years, physician guidance is strongly recommended before administration
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact a healthcare provider immediately if:
- The child experiences unusual side effects
- Symptoms worsen or do not improve after 3-4 days
- The child develops high fever, persistent headache, or severe sore throat
Conclusion
While Bromfed can be effective for treating nasal congestion and allergy symptoms in children, careful adherence to age-appropriate dosing is essential to prevent adverse effects, particularly in young children. For infants and very young children, physician supervision is required.