Dextromethorphan: patient usage information, precautions and side effects

Tuesday, May 30, 2017 by

Dextromethorphan: patient usage information, precautions and side effects

Brand names

  • Babee Cof®

  • Benylin®

  • Children’s Robitussin Cough Long-Acting®

  • Dexalone®

  • Diabetuss®

  • Pertussin ES®

  • Scot-Tussin Diabetes CF®

  • Silphen DM®

  • Vicks DayQuil Cough®

  • Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Dry Cough®

  • Zicam Cough MAX®

Brand names of combination products

  • AccuHist DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • AccuHist PDX® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Alahist DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Albatussin NN® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate, Pyrilamine)

  • Aldex DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)§

  • Aldex GS DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough Formula® (containing Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Day and Night Cold Formulas® (containing Aspirin, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Day Non-Drowsy Cold Formula® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Flu Formula® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Mucus and Congestion® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Cold Formula® (containing Aspirin, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Phenylephrine)

  • Allanhist PDX® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Allfen DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Ambifed DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Amerituss AD® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Aquatab C® (containing Carbetapentane, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Aquatab DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Balacall DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Biodec DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)§

  • Biotuss® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • BP 8® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • BPM PE DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Bromdex® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Bromfed DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Bromhist DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Bromhist PDX® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Bromphenex DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Bromtuss DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Broncopectol® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Bronkids® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Brontuss® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Brontuss DX® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Brontuss SF® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Brotapp PE-DM Cough and Cold® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Brotapp-DM Cold and Cough® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Brovex PEB DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Brovex PSB DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

  • C Phen DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Carbofed DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Cardec DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Centergy DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Ceron DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Cerose DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Cheracol D® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Children’s Dimetapp Cold and Cough® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Children’s Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Plus Cold® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

  • Children’s Dimetapp Multisymptom Cold and Flu® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Children’s Mucinex Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Children’s Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Children’s Mucinex Stuffy Nose and Cold® (containing Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Children’s Robitussin Cough and Cold CF® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Children’s Robitussin Cough and Cold CF® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Children’s Robitussin Cough and Cold Long-Acting® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

  • Children’s Sudafed PE Cold and Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Chlordex GP® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Codal-DM Syrup® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Codimal DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Coldmist DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Comtrex Cold and Cough Day/Night® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Comtrex Cold and Cough Non-Drowsy® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Corfen DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Coricidin HBP Chest Congestion and Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

  • Coricidin HBP Day and Night Multi-Symptom Cold® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Coricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

  • Coricidin HBP Nighttime Multi-Symptom Cold® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine)

  • Coryza DM® (containing Dexchlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Despec NR® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Diabetic Tussin DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Dimaphen DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Dimetane DX® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Donatussin DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Drituss DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Drixoral Cough/Sore Throat® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan)

  • Duratuss DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Duravent-DPB® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Dynatuss EX® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Endacon DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Execof® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • ExeFen DMX® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Fenesin DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Ganituss DM NR® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Genetuss 2® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Giltuss® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Guaidex TR® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Methscopolamine, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Guiadrine DX® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Guiatuss DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Halotussin DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Histadec DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • HT-Tuss DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Humibid CS® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Humibid DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Iophen DM-NR® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Lartus® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phelyephrine)

  • Lohist-DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)§

  • LoHist-PEB-DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • LoHist-PSB-DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Lortuss DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Maxichlor® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

  • Maxiphen ADT® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Maxi-Tuss DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Medent DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Mintuss DR® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Mucinex Cough for Kids® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Mucinex DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Muco Fen DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • MyHist DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Myphetane Dx® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Mytussin DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Naldecon DX® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Nasohist DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Neo DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • NoHist-DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Norel DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Nortuss EX® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • PediaCare Children’s Cough and Congestion® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • PediaCare Children’s Fever Reducer Plus Cough and Runny Nose® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

  • PediaCare Children’s Fever Reducer Plus Cough and Sore Throat® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan)

  • PediaCare Children’s Fever Reducer Plus Flu® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • PediaCare Children’s Fever Reducer Plus Multi-Symptom Cold® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • PediaCare Children’s Multi-Symptom Cold® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Pediahist DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Phenydex® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pyrilamine)

  • Poly Hist DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Polytan DM® (containing Dexbrompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Poly-Tussin DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Prolex DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)§

  • Prometh DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Promethazine)

  • Promethazine DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Promethazine)

  • Pyril DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Q-BID DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Q-Tussin DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Quartuss® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Quartuss DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)§

  • RemeHist DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)§

  • RemeTussin DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Respa DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Resperal® (containing Dexchlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Robitussin Cough and Chest DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Robitussin Cough and Cold CF® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Robitussin Cough and Cold Long-Acting® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

  • Robitussin Night Time Cough, Cold, and Flu® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Rondamine DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Rondec DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Ru-Tuss DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Scot-Tussin DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

  • Scot-Tussin Senior® (containing Guaifenesin, Dextromethorphan)

  • Sildec PE DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Siltussin DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Simuc DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Sinutuss DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)§

  • Sonahist DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Statuss DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Sudafed PE Cold/Cough® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Sudafed PE Day/Night Cold® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Diphenhydramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Sudatex DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Tenar DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Theraflu Cold and Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Pheniramine, Phenylephrine)

  • Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold and Cough® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Theraflu Max-D Severe Cold and Flu® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Touro CC® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)§

  • Touro DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Triaminic Cough and Sore Throat® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan)

  • Triaminic Day Time Cold and Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Triaminic Long Acting Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan)

  • Triaminic Multi-Symptom Fever® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

  • Trikof D® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Triplex DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Trispec DMX® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Trispec PSE® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Trital DM® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Trituss® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Tusdec DM® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Tusnel® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Tussafed EX® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Tussafed LA® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Tussi Pres® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Tussidex® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Tussin CF® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Tussin DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Tylenol Cold and Cough Daytime® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan)

  • Tylenol Cold and Cough Nighttime® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine)

  • Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Nighttime® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Severe® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Vicks Children’s NyQuil Cold and Flu® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

  • Vicks DayQuil Cold and Flu Relief® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Vicks DayQuil Cold and Flu Symptom Relief Plus Vitamin C® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Vicks DayQuil Mucus Control DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Chesty Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Congestion® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Cough and Cold PM® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

  • Vicks NyQuil Cold and Flu Relief® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine)

  • Vicks NyQuil Cold and Flu Symptom Relief Plus Vitamin C® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine)

  • Vicks NyQuil Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine)

  • Viratan DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Viravan DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Viravan PDM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine, Pyrilamine)

  • Y-Cof DMX® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

  • Z-Cof DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

  • Z-Cof LA® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)§

  • Z-Dex® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

  • Zicam Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu Daytime® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

  • Zicam Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu Nighttime® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine)

  • Zotex® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

Other names

  • DM

What side effects can this medication cause?

Dextromethorphan may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • dizziness

  • lightheadedness

  • drowsiness

  • nervousness

  • restlessness

  • nausea

  • vomiting

  • stomach pain

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

rash

Dextromethorphan may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

IMPORTANT WARNING:

FDA Intends to Remove Some Unapproved Cough, Cold, and Allergy Drugs from the Market

This safety alert does not apply to this medication, but only to some products which contain this medication. In addition, it is important that you know that there is not a problem with most of the products described in this medication monograph. And some drug companies may decide to seek full approval from the FDA so that they can continue marketing their products.

On March 2, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert about certain unapproved prescription cough, cold, and allergy products containing this drug in combination with other drugs. These products are not currently approved by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, and quality. FDA asked drug companies to stop shipping most of these products for sale in the US within the next 6 months. Although some of these products have been marketed for many years, laws about what a company must prove to FDA for drug product approval have gotten tougher and increased enforcement of these laws is now taking place. The FDA took this action due to concerns about certain potential risks associated with use of these medications. These risks may include:

  • the possibility of improper use in infants and young children

  • potentially risky combinations of ingredients

  • patients receiving too much or too little of the medication because of problems with the way some ”timed-release” products are made

If you are concerned that the prescription cough, cold, and allergy medication you are taking is not approved by the FDA, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If the medication you are taking is not approved, your doctor can prescribe another prescription medication or your doctor or pharmacist can suggest an over-the-counter (OTC) cough, cold, and allergy product for your condition. There are many safe and effective alternative approved products that can be taken instead. Your doctor probably prescribed the medicine without knowing that FDA had not approved it. This is because it has been so difficult for doctors and pharmacists to find out that these products are unapproved. For additional information:

  • You can visit the FDA website (http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm244852.htm) for more information about this action to remove unapproved cough, cold, and allergy products from the market.

  • You can find a list of unapproved products by going to (http://goo.gl/Gqc7d).

  • For information on how to dispose of unused products, go to http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Dextromethorphan is used to temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions. Dextromethorphan will relieve a cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or speed recovery. Dextromethorphan is in a class of medications called antitussives. It works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.

How should this medicine be used?

Dextromethorphan comes as a liquid-filled capsule, a chewable tablet, a dissolving strip, a solution (liquid), an extended-release (long-acting) suspension (liquid), and a lozenge to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 4 to 12 hours as needed. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Dextromethorphan should only be used according to the label or package directions. Do not take more than the recommended amount of dextromethorphan in a 24-hour period. Refer to the package or prescription label to determine the amount contained in each dose. Taking dextromethorphan in large amounts can cause serious side effects or death.

Dextromethorphan comes alone and in combination with antihistamines, cough suppressants, and decongestants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which product is best for your symptoms. Check nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before using 2 or more products at the same time. These products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and taking them together could cause you to receive an overdose. This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child.

Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including products that contain dextromethorphan, can cause serious side effects or death in young children. Do not give these products to children younger than 4 years of age. If you give these products to children 4-11 years of age, use caution and follow the package directions carefully.

If you are giving dextromethorphan or a combination product that contains dextromethorphan to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age. Do not give dextromethorphan products that are made for adults to children.

Before you give a dextromethorphan product to a child, check the package label to find out how much medication the child should receive. Give the dose that matches the child’s age on the chart. Ask the child’s doctor if you don’t know how much medication to give the child.

If you are taking the liquid, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. Use the measuring spoon or cup that came with the medication or use a spoon made especially for measuring medication.

If you are using the dissolving strips, place them on your tongue and swallow after they melt.

If you are taking the chewable tablets you can allow them to melt in your mouth or you can chew them before swallowing.

If you are taking the extended-release suspension, shake the bottle well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

If you are taking the lozenges, allow them to slowly melt in your mouth.

Stop taking dextromethorphan and call your doctor if your cough does not get better within 7 days, if your cough goes away and comes back, or if your cough occurs with a fever, rash, or headache.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking dextromethorphan,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dextromethorphan, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the product you plan to take. Check the package label for a list of the ingredients.

  • do not take dextromethorphan if you are taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or if you have stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within the past 2 weeks.

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

  • tell your doctor if you smoke, if you have a cough that occurs with a large amount of phlegm (mucus), or if you have or have ever had breathing problems such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dextromethorphan, call your doctor.

  • if you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent mental retardation), you should know that some brands of chewable tablets that contain dextromethorphan may be sweetened with aspartame, a source of phenylalanine.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Dextromethorphan is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take dextromethorphan regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

  • nausea

  • vomiting

  • drowsiness

  • dizziness

  • unsteadiness

  • changes in vision

  • difficulty breathing

  • fast heartbeat

  • hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)

  • seizures

  • coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)

What other information should I know?

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about dextromethorphan.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Why is this medication prescribed?

How should this medicine be used?

Other uses for this medicine

What special precautions should I follow?

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

What should I do if I forget a dose?

What side effects can this medication cause?

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

In case of emergency/overdose

What other information should I know?

Brand names

Brand names of combination products

Other names

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682492.html

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