dextromethorphan

(dex troe meth OR fan)
Benylin, Delsym, Hold DM, Pertussin CS Childrens, Pertussin ES, Robitussin Cough Calmers, Robitussin Maximum Strength, Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant, Scot-Tussin Diabetic, Scot-Tussin DM Cough Chasers, St. Joseph Cough Suppressant, Tussin Pediatric, Vicks 44 Cough Medicine, Vicks Formula 44

What is the most important information I should know about dextromethorphan?

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Do not use dextromethorphan to control a cough that is associated with smoking, asthma, or emphesyma, or a cough that is productive (produces sputum or phlegm). These types of coughs are necessary for normal lung function and should not be suppressed.

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Use dextromethorphan only under the supervision of a doctor if you also have nausea, vomiting, a high fever, a rash, or a persistent headache.

What is dextromethorphan?

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Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It suppresses the area in the brain that causes coughing.

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Dextromethorphan is used to treat a cough.

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Dextromethorphan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dextromethorphan?

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Do not take dextromethorphan if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

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Use dextromethorphan only under the supervision of a doctor if you also have nausea, vomiting, a high fever, a rash, or a persistent headache.

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It is not known whether dextromethorphan will harm an unborn baby. Do not take dextromethorphan without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

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It is also not known whether dextromethorphan passes into breast milk. Do not take dextromethorphan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take dextromethorphan?

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Take dextromethorphan exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Allow the lozenges to dissolve in your mouth.

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To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of dextromethorphan with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

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The maximum amount of dextromethorphan lozenges, liquid, or syrup that an adult should take in 24 hours is 120 mg. Children 6 to 12 years of age should not take more than 60 mg in 24 hours. Children 2 to 6 years of age should not take more than 30 mg in 24 hours. Children younger than 2 years of age should use dextromethorphan only under the direction of a doctor.

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Store dextromethorphan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention.

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Symptoms of a dextromethorphan overdose include slurred speech, restlessness, a feeling of poor coordination, difficulty breathing, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking dextromethorphan?

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dextromethorphan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of dextromethorphan?

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No serious side effects are expected from dextromethorphan therapy. Stop taking dextromethorphan and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

What other drugs will affect dextromethorphan?

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Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, or allergies, unless your doctor or pharmacist approve it. Many other preparations contain dextromethorphan or other similar drugs and you may accidently overdose.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with dextromethorphan. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has more information about dextromethorphan written for health professionals that you may read.

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

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.