This product is used to temporarily relieve coughs that
are caused by the common cold, flu, or other breathing illnesses. This
product is not usually used for ongoing coughs from smoking, asthma, or
other long-term breathing problems (such as emphysema), or for coughs with
a lot of mucus, unless directed by your doctor. Dextromethorphan belongs to
a class of drugs known as cough suppressants. It acts on a part of the
brain (cough center) to reduce the urge to cough.
Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe
or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product to
treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically
directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting
tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12
years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your
product safely.
These products do not cure or shorten the length of the
common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for
serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use
this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold
medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also
Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways
to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a
humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all
directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed this
medication, take it as directed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
There are many brands and forms of dextromethorphan
available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because
the amount of dextromethorphan may be different between products. Do not
take more dextromethorphan than recommended.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are
taking a suspension, shake the bottle well before each
dose.
If you are using the chewable tablet, chew the tablet
thoroughly and then swallow.
If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, chew the
tablet or allow the tablet to dissolve in the mouth, then swallow with or
without water.
If you are using the lozenge, let the lozenge dissolve
slowly in your mouth and swallow the dissolved liquid along with your
saliva. Do not chew or swallow it whole.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and
response to treatment. Do not take more of this medication than recommended
for your age.
Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in
serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, death). Do not increase your
dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than directed.
Properly stop the medication when so directed.
Tell your doctor if your cough returns, or if it is
accompanied by headache that doesn't go away, fever, rash, or if it lasts
or gets worse after 7 days. These may be signs of a serious medical
problem. Get medical help right away if you think you may have a serious
medical problem.
Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this product,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this product do not have
serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking dextromethorphan, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
product:
- breathing problems (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis,
asthma)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
This medicine may contain aspartame. If you have
phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict
your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or
pharmacist about using this drug safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Taking certain MAO inhibitors with this medication may
cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking
isocarboxazid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine,
procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, or tranylcypromine during
treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be
taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor
when to start or stop taking this medication.
Dextromethorphan is available in both prescription and
nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your medications to make
sure you are not taking more than one product containing
dextromethorphan.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast
heartbeat, sweating, nervousness, feeling high (euphoria), hallucinations,
problems walking (staggering), agitation, severe
drowsiness.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you are taking this product on a regular schedule and
miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the
next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.