{"id":59704,"date":"2023-08-05T10:45:56","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T14:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=59704"},"modified":"2026-04-08T16:16:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T20:16:37","slug":"pseudoeph-bromphen-dm-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pseudoeph-bromphen-dm-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"What can I take instead of Bromfed DM?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pseudoephedrine-brompheniramine DM<\/span><\/a> is a generic prescription drug that treats cough and other cold and allergy symptoms. It is a combination of pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), brompheniramine (an antihistamine), and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). There are <\/span>many over-the-counter cold, allergy, and cough medicines<\/span><\/a>, so one reason to switch to a pseudoephedrine-brompheniramine DM alternative is to avoid the cost and inconvenience of purchasing a prescription cold remedy. Other people may wish to avoid pseudoephedrine because of the potential side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>The best cough medicine for fast relief<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What can I take instead of Bromfed DM?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Formerly sold as the brand-name Bromfed DM, pseudoephedrine-brompheniramine DM is considered a safe and effective multi-symptom prescription drug, but it requires a doctor\u2019s prescription because of the pseudoephedrine ingredient. Products containing pseudoephedrine are heavily regulated and sometimes prescription-only as the drug can be used to illegally manufacture methamphetamine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Consider which symptoms need to be treated<\/span><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to address specific cold or allergy symptoms and avoid unnecessary medicines, so sometimes not all of the combination ingredients are needed. For example, someone\u2019s primary concern may be nasal congestion without a cough or vice versa. Those looking for something easier or cheaper to buy can start with nonprescription medications that contain both brompheniramine and dextromethorphan, but use the less powerful phenylephrine to relieve nasal congestion. An example of a brand-name product with these three drugs is <\/span>Endacof DM<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Skip the nasal decongestant (especially if you have certain health conditions)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another option is to forego the nasal decongestant entirely. Both <\/span>pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine<\/span><\/a> can cause problems in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, or other medical conditions. Restlessness, nervousness, and insomnia are common side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Safe cold medicine for high blood pressure<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Try a different antihistamine<\/span><\/h3>\n

A third option is to buy a combination cold, allergy, or cough medication that uses a different antihistamine instead of brompheniramine. These cold, flu, and cough medicines, such as Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold (dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine), that combine an antihistamine with dextromethorphan are generously stocked on store shelves. Additionally, there are combinations of other antihistamines with pseudoephedrine, such as Claritin-D (loratadine and pseudoephedrine) and Allegra-D (fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Ask about a prescription<\/span><\/h3>\n

If over-the-counter medications aren\u2019t effective, ask your healthcare provider about a prescription antihistamine, such as promethazine with dextromethorphan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If coughing is a major problem, a healthcare provider can prescribe a combination of an antihistamine and a prescription codeine, such as promethazine-codeine, a powerful antitussive. Hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine is another combination that contains an antihistamine and an <\/span>opioid<\/span><\/a> cough suppressant to relieve cough and upper respiratory symptoms. These alternatives are reserved for those who have already tried non-opioid medication options, as these have higher associated risks and sedating adverse effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For those seeking a prescription alternative for only a cough, benzonatate (formerly sold under the brand name Tessalon) is commonly prescribed to lessen cough.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, some people have a phlegmy cough that isn\u2019t caused by postnasal drip, but by excess mucus in the lungs. In those cases, an antihistamine and cough suppressant may not help. A more appropriate choice would be a cough suppressant combined with guaifenesin, such as <\/span>Robitussin Peak Cold Multi-Symptom<\/span><\/a> (guaifenesin-dextromethorphan-phenylephrine). <\/span>Guaifenesin<\/span><\/a> is a mucus-thinning drug that helps clear mucus from the lungs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Bromfed DM alternatives cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nPrice without insurance<\/b><\/td>\nSingleCare price<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pseudoephephedrine-brompheniramine-dextromethorphan<\/span><\/td>\n$78 for 118 mL of 30-2-10 mg\/5 mL syrup<\/span><\/td>\n$9 for 118 mL of 30-2-10 mg\/5 mL syrup of generic Bromfed DM at Walmart<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Endacof DM (phenylephrine-brompheniramine-dextromethorphan)<\/span><\/td>\n$16 per 120 mL of 2.5-1-5 mg\/5 mL liquid<\/span><\/td>\n$11 per 120 mL of 2.5-1-5 mg\/5 mL liquid of Endacof DM at Walgreens<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Promethazine- dextromethorphan<\/span><\/td>\n$36 for 120 mL of 6.25-15 mg\/5 mL syrup<\/span><\/td>\n$5 for 120 mL of 6.25-15 mg\/5 mL syrup of promethazine DM at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Promethazine-codeine<\/span><\/td>\n$37 for 120 mL of 6.25-10 mg\/5 mL oral solution<\/span><\/td>\n$15 for 120 mL of 6.25-10 mg\/5 mL oral solution of promethazine-codeine at Food Lion<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Claritin-D 24-hour (loratadine-pseudoephedrine)<\/span><\/td>\n$58 per 30 extended-release tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$28 per 30 extended-release tablets of generic Claritin-D at Food Lion<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Allegra-D 12-hour (fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine)<\/span><\/td>\n$80 per 60 extended-release tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$32 per 60 extended-release tablets of generic Allegra-D at Publix\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Benzonatate<\/span><\/td>\n$65 for 30, 100 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n$10 for 30, 100 mg capsules of benzonatate at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold (chlorpheniramine-dextromethorphan)<\/span><\/td>\n$12 per 1, 16-tablet box<\/span><\/td>\n$9 per 1, 16-tablet box of generic Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold at Walgreens<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of April 8, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under \u201cSavings options\u201d to see the latest drug prices.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Top 5 Bromfed DM alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n

The following are some of the most common alternatives to pseudoephedrine-brompheniramine DM.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. <\/span>Allegra-D (OTC\/behind pharmacy counter)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Allegra-D is an over-the-counter combination medication that contains the antihistamine fexofenadine and the decongestant pseudoephedrine. Due to the pseudoephedrine ingredient, this alternative must be purchased at the pharmacy counter. <\/span>Allegra-D<\/span><\/a> relieves symptoms associated with the common cold, allergic rhinitis and other upper respiratory allergies. A key difference is this alternative does not contain a cough medicine. Dextromethorphan (brand name <\/span>Delsym<\/span><\/a>) can be purchased separately as an OTC cough suppressant if needed. Allegra-D is also available as the generic name fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine and has similar side effects as pseudoephedrine-brompheniramine DM.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allegra-D coupons<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Promethazine DM (Rx)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Promethazine DM is a more powerful antihistamine than brompheniramine, so it\u2019s available only with a prescription. It may be more effective at relieving runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and sore throat than over-the-counter antihistamines. Generic promethazine DM combines this powerful antihistamine with the cough suppressant dextromethorphan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cautions and side effects are similar to pseudoephedrine-brompheniramine DM, but the antihistamine is powerful enough to merit a black box warning about the potential for fatal respiratory depression in children younger than 2 years of age. Doctors use promethazine DM cautiously in older children because of potential serious side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Promethazine DM coupons<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine (Rx)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine is a generic prescription medication that contains an opioid cough suppressant and an antihistamine. This alternative is used to treat cough and upper respiratory tract symptoms associated with allergy or the common cold. Hydrocodone belongs to the opioid drug class and should be used with caution due to sedating effects and respiratory depression. <\/span>Opioid-containing<\/span><\/a> cough medicines are reserved for those who have already tried non-opioid medications and need further treatment. This alternative is ideal for those who can safely take opioid-containing medications, determined by their healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Endacof DM (OTC)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Endacof DM is a nonprescription medication nearly identical to pseudoephedrine-brompheniramine DM except that it substitutes phenylephrine for pseudoephedrine as the decongestant ingredient. <\/span>Recent evidence<\/span><\/a> has demonstrated phenylephrine is significantly less effective for nasal congestion than pseudoephedrine. This alternative would be ideal for those experiencing symptoms of cough and nasal drip, but minimal nasal congestion. It is FDA-approved for use in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Endacof DM has similar <\/span>common side effects and cautions<\/span><\/a> as Bromfed DM.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Endacof DM coupons<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

5. Robitussin Peak Cold Multi-Symptom (OTC)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Sometimes, coughing is primarily due to mucus in the lungs. An antihistamine won\u2019t help, so the most appropriate medication is guaifenesin, an expectorant. Robitussin Peak Cold Multi-Symptom, an OTC oral liquid, combines guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and dextromethorphan. Guaifenesin is found in a multitude of cold and flu medications, so it\u2019s easy to find cough or cold medicines with this active ingredient. It also has very few side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Robitussin Peak Cold Multi-Symptom coupons<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Over-the-counter cold medications with nasal decongestants<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some combination cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine are available without a prescription but are regulated as \u201c<\/span>behind-the-counter<\/span><\/a>\u201d products. Because pseudoephedrine is a heavily regulated nasal decongestant, purchasers must show a valid ID and may be asked basic screening questions about their symptoms or medical conditions. Sales are also subject to quantity limits.<\/span><\/p>\n

An example of a behind-the-counter product is Tylenol Extra Strength Cold + Flu Multi-Action, which contains pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, and acetaminophen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most other over-the-counter cold and flu products use phenylephrine instead of pseudoephedrine, since phenylephrine can be sold directly on store shelves. However, <\/span>one study<\/span><\/a> has found phenylephrine to be significantly less effective for nasal congestion, and some healthcare professionals question whether it provides meaningful relief. Recently, the <\/span>Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/span><\/a> recommended removing phenylephrine from the market because its clinical evidence determined it is not effective as a nasal decongestant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural alternatives to Bromfed DM<\/span><\/h2>\n

While there are many medicines available to help ease cough and congestion, there are many non-drug remedies that can be effective in treating <\/span>cough<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>cold<\/span><\/a>, and allergy symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n