Dextromethorphan

Generic name: Dextromethorphan
Drug class: Antitussives

Usage of Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Dextromethorphan is used to treat a cough. It is available over-the-counter alone and is also present in many over-the-counter and prescription combination medications.

Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Dextromethorphan 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. Stop using dextromethorphan and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness;

seizures or convulsions;

confusion, hallucinations; or

slow, shallow breathing.

Less serious side effects are more likely, such as stomach upset.

This is not a complete list of dextromethorphan side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Dextromethorphan

Do not use dextromethorphan if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or methylene blue injection within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take dextromethorphan before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using dextromethorphan if you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

It is unknown whether dextromethorphan is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Dextromethorphan may pass into breast milk. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially-sweetened liquid forms of cough medicine may contain phenylalanine. This would be important to know if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Check the ingredients and warnings on the medication label if you are concerned about phenylalanine.

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How to use Dextromethorphan

Use dextromethorphan exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Cough medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give dextromethorphan to a child younger than 4 years old.

Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.

Measure the liquid form of dextromethorphan with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Allow the dextromethorphan lozenge or disintegrating strip to dissolve in your mouth.

Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken dextromethorphan within the past few days.

Store dextromethorphan at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.

Warnings

Do not give dextromethorphan to a child younger than 4 years old.

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

What other drugs will affect Dextromethorphan

Before taking dextromethorphan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

celecoxib (Celebrex);

cinaCalcet (Sensipar);

darifenacin (Enablex);

imatinib (Gleevec);

quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex);

ranolazine (Ranexa)

ritonavir (Norvir);

sibutramine (Meridia);

terbinafine (Lamisil);

medicines to treat high blood pressure; or

antidepressant medications such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and others.

This list is not complete and there are numerous other drugs that can interact with dextromethorphan. 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.

Disclaimer

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