Dextromethorphan (By mouth)
dex-troe-meth-OR-fan
Treats a cough.
Drug classes
Antitussive (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Dextromethorphan is used to relieve coughs due to colds or influenza (flu). It should not be used for chronic cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or when there is an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm (flem) with the cough.
Dextromethorphan relieves cough by acting directly on the cough center in the brain.
This medicine is available without a prescription.
Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years of age. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Chewable Tablet, Lozenge, Liquid, Thin Sheet, Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
The chewable tablet can be chewed or crushed or swallowed whole. Drink plenty of water after swallowing the tablet.
Slowly dissolve the lozenge in your mouth.
Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. It is not usually a concern if you miss one dose.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
Keep all medicine away from children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dextromethorphan. You should not use this medicine if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (such as Parnate®, Nardil®, or Marplan®) or if you have used one of these medicines in the past 2 weeks. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma or liver disease.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, or restlessness
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Babee Cof Syrup, Benylin Pediatric Formula, Children’s Pedia Care, Children’s Robitussin Cough Long Acting, Children’s Triaminic Long Acting Cough, Cough DM, Creo-Terpin, Creomulsion, Creomulsion Cough, Creomulsion For Children, Delsym, Dexalone, Dextromethorphan Polistirex, ElixSure Cough Children’s, EntexPAC, Father John’s Medicine, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Cough Relief, Good Neighbor Tussin, Leader Cough DM, Miltuss, Nycoff, Pediacare, Pediacare Long-Acting Cough, Robafen Cough, Robitussin, Silphen DM, Simply Cough, St. Joseph, Vicks 44 Cough Relief
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
