Dextromethorphan

(dex troe meth or’ fan)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Dextromethorphan, an antitussive, is used to relieve a nonproductive cough caused by a cold, the flu, or other conditions.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Dextromethorphan comes as a liquid or as a lozenge to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 4-8 hours as needed. Do not take more than 120 mg of dextromethorphan in a 24-hour period. Refer to the package or prescription label to determine the amount contained in each dose. The lozenge should dissolve slowly in your mouth. Drink plenty of water after taking a dose. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Take dextromethorphan exactly as directed. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than the label or your doctor tells you to.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking dextromethorphan,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dextromethorphan or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially MAO inhibitors (Marplan [isocarboxazid]; Parnate [tranylcypromine]; Nardil [phenelzine]); other cough, cold, and allergy products; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, emphysema, or lung disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dextromethorphan, call your doctor.
• this medicine should not be used in children below the age of 2 years.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Dextromethorphan is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take dextromethorphan regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Dextromethorphan may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• nervousness
• restlessness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• stomach pain

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• high fever
• persistent headache
• difficulty breathing
• mood changes
• slurred speech

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

Brand names of combination products

Other names

Last Revised - 04/01/2003

Popularity: 2% [?]

This entry was posted on Friday, February 23rd, 2007 at 10:33 pm and is filed under Drug Information. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.