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What is dextromethorphan
 Dextromethorphan
is a cough suppressant. It suppresses the area in the brain
that causes coughing.
Dextromethorphan
is used to treat a cough.
Dextromethorphan
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about dextromethorphan
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.
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 you should find out before taking dextromethorphan 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.
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.
Use dextromethorphan only under the supervision of a doctor
if you also have nausea, vomiting, a high fever, a rash,
or a persistent headache.
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.
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 take dextromethorphan Take dextromethorphan exactly as directed. If you
do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Allow the
lozenges to dissolve in your mouth.
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.
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.
Store dextromethorphan at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: 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 you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a dextromethorphan overdose include slurred speech, restlessness,
a feeling of poor coordination, difficulty breathing, and
seizures.
Avoid while taking dextromethorphan 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.
Possible side effects of dextromethorphan 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 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.
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.
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. |
