BetaTan

Generic name: brompheniramine/carbetapentane/phenylephrine [ brome-fen-IR-a-meen, kar-be-ta-PEN-tane, fen-il-EF-rin ]
Brand names: BetaTan, Pulmari, VazoTan
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 3, 2023.

What is 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.

Important infomation about BetaTan

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). 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. BetaTan 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 BetaTan. 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.

Related/similar drugs

diphenhydramine, Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, Promethazine DM, Vicks NyQuil Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief, Vicks DayQuil Severe Cold & Flu

Before taking this medicine

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.

How should I take 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 happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

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

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

What should I avoid?

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 BetaTan. 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.

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.

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.

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.02.

Further information

• Your pharmacist has information about BetaTan written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Brompheniramine, carbetapentane and phenylephrine available under the brand names BetaTan, Pulmari, and VazoTan. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about BetaTan, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use BetaTan only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer