What is Bronkaid Max: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Bronkaid Max is an over-the-counter tablet that is taken on an as-needed basis to relieve occasional asthma symptoms. The active ingredient in the tablet, ephedrine, widens air passages but does not work as rapidly as a rescue inhaler. Ephedrine is a powerful medicine that affects systems throughout the body, so it comes with several cautions that users should know about.

Bronkaid Max overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Bronkaid Max

Generic Names:

  • Ephedrine sulfate

Uses:

  • Relieves intermittent symptoms of asthma

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Bronchodilator, sympathomimetic (involuntary nervous system stimulant)

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Bronkaid Max used for?

Bronkaid Max relieves intermittent asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Bronkaid Max is used only when there are symptoms.

What form(s) does Bronkaid Max come in

  • Tablet

    • 25 mg

What are common Bronkaid Max doses?

  • For intermittent asthma symptoms in adults and children 12 years of age and older: 1 tablet (25 mg) every four hours as needed

How to take Bronkaid Max

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • If you consult with a doctor, follow the doctor’s instructions for taking this medicine.

  • Bronkaid Max can be taken with or without food.

  • Take one tablet every four hours as needed.

  • Do not take more than six tablets in 24 hours unless a doctor has told you to.

  • Store Bronkaid Max at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Bronkaid Max

  • Take a missed dose if you still have symptoms. Do not take the next dose until four hours later.

  • Do not take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.

Bronkaid Max contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in Bronkaid Max. 

  • Bronkaid is only to be taken by people diagnosed with asthma.

Bronkaid Max warnings

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • If you have been hospitalized for asthma, talk to a doctor before you start taking Bronkaid Max.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Also, consult with a doctor first if you have:

    • High blood pressure

    • Heart disease

    • Liver disease

    • Diabetes

    • Overactive thyroid

    • Seizures

    • A mental health or mood disorder

    • Enlarged prostate that is making it difficult to urinate

    • Narrow-angle glaucoma

  • Bronkaid Max can cause serious side effects, including:

    • High blood pressure

    • Increased heart rate

    • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke in people with high blood pressure or heart disease

  • Stop taking Bronkaid Max and talk to a doctor if you start having problems such as:

    • Worsening asthma symptoms

    • Trouble falling asleep

    • Racing heartbeats

    • Seizures

    • Tremors

    • Feeling nervous

  • The drug information sheet warns parents not to use Bronkaid Max in children younger than six years of age before consulting a healthcare provider

  • Keep this medication securely out of the reach of children

Bronkaid Max interactions

  • Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

  • You cannot safely take Bronkaid Max if you are currently taking a type of drug called an MAO inhibitor. You can find a list of MAOIs here. If you’re taking an MAOI, talk to the prescribing healthcare professional about when it’s safe to take Bronkaid.

  • Before taking Bronkaid Max, talk to a doctor if you’re taking:

    • Blood pressure medications

    • Weight control or obesity medications

    • Any drug that treats a psychiatric or mood disorder

    • Any drug that contains other drugs similar to ephedrine, including pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, or caffeine

  • Avoid any food or drink that contains caffeine.

  • Avoid any over-the-counter stimulant or weight-control remedy that contains a stimulant.

Bronkaid Max side effects

Serious side effects

Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

  • Seizures

  • Tremors

Less serious side effects

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Headache

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Dizziness

  • Palpitations

  • Nervousness, agitation, restlessness

Sources:

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