Dextromethorphan Polistirex Oral suspension Health Article

Generic name(s):

Dextromethorphan Polistirex Oral suspension

Brand name(s):

Babee Cof, Benylin, Benylin Adult Formula, Benylin DM Pediatric, Benylin Pediatric, Buckley's Mixture Cough Suppressant, Buckleys Mixture, Calmylin, Creo-Terpin, Creomulsion, Creomulsion Children, Delsym, Delsym 12 Hour Cough Relief, Delsym 12 Hour Cough Relief for Children & Adults, DexAlone, Dextromethorphan HBr Adult Formula, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Elixsure Cough, Hold DM, Pediacare, Pertussin CS Childrens, Pertussin ES, Robafen Pediatric Cough & Cold, Robitussin Cough Calmers, Robitussin CoughGels, Robitussin Honey Cough, Robitussin Maximum Strength, Robitussin Pediatric Cough Long-Acting, Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant, Scot-Tussin DM Cough Chasers, Scot-Tussin Diabetic, Silphen DM, St. Joseph Cough Suppressant, Sucrets DM Cough, Theraflu Thin Strips Cough, Triaminic Long Acting Cough, Triaminic Softchew, Triaminic Thin Strips Cough, Tussin Pediatric, Tylenol Simply Cough, Vicks 44 Cough Medicine, Vicks 44 Cough Relief, Vicks Formula 44

What is this medicine?

DEXTROMETHORPHAN (dex troe meth OR fan) is used to help relieve cough.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• emphysema
• large amount of mucus
• liver disease
• smoker
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dextromethorphan, other medicines, bromides, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• other medicines for allergies or cold
• procarbazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not treat yourself for a cough for more than 1 week without consulting your doctor or health care professional. If you have a high fever, skin rash, lasting headache, or sore throat, see your doctor.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• confusion
• excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
• seizure
• slurred speech

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• stomach upset
• tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.