dextromethorphan

Brand name(s):

Benylin, Delsym, Hold DM, Percussion CS Children, Percussion 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?

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 dextromethorphan if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) 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. 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 is dextromethorphan?

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

Dextromethorphan is used to treat a cough.

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

Dextromethorphan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider 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), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) 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.

Before taking dextromethorphan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis. You may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. This medication may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. 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.

How should I take dextromethorphan?

Use this medication 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.

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 this medicine 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 a cough medicine within the past few days.

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

Page: 1 2 Next >

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.