Dextromethorphan

Description

Dextromethorphan is used to relieve the cough caused by common cold. This medicine is not recommended for use in children less than 4 years of age. Consumption of alcohol is not advised while receiving this medicine due to an increase in the risk of drowsiness. It is not used to relieve a cough which is caused by smoking and asthma.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Dextromethorphan

  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Stomach pain

Uses of Dextromethorphan

What is it prescribed for?

  • Cough
Read More
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The effect of this medicine can be observed within 15-30 minutes of an oral dose.
  • Duration of effect
    The effect of this medicine lasts for up to 6 hours after the administration of an oral dose.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Alcohol should not be consumed while taking this medicine since it may increase the risk of side effects like confusion, dizziness, and impaired judgment. Avoid performing activities that need high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery if alcohol and dextromethorphan are used together.
  • Is it habit forming?
    Dextromethorphan may become habit forming if not taken as directed by the doctor.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    This medicine is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only if necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

Serotonin syndrome

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients who have received MAO inhibitors within the past 14 days or are receiving MAO inhibitors due to an increase in the risk of a life-threatening condition called Serotonin Syndrome.

Allergy

This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to Dextromethorphan or any other ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

Breast-feeding

This medicine is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only if necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings

Emphysema

This medicine might worsen the condition of Emphysema which may cause breathing difficulty. Report all your medical conditions/diseases to the doctor before taking this medicine.

Chronic bronchitis

This medicine might worsen the condition of Chronic bronchitis which may cause breathing difficulty. Report all your medical conditions/diseases to the doctor before taking this medicine.

Smoking

This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a cough related to smoking, COPD, and asthma conditions.

Over the counter medicines

Do not take this medicine if you are taking any other OTC medicines without consulting your doctor. Report to the doctor all the medicines you take before consuming this medicne.

MAO Inhibitors

Dextromethorphan is not recommended for use with MAO inhibitors since their combination increases the risk of severe side effects. It is advised that you report all your medications including any herbs and supplements to the doctor before beginning therapy with this medicine.

Serious adverse effects

If you do not take this medicine as directed/instructed, you may suffer serious side effects such as loss of consciousness, irregular heartbeat, or brain damage. Rarely, coma and death may occur. It is recommended that you take this medicine strictly as instructed by your doctor and report any adverse effects to the doctor immediately.

Self-medication

If you are taking this medicine over the counter and if your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if you have any side effects, consult your doctor immediately. Do not use this medicine for a persistent or a chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost the time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose. Overdose symptoms may include feeling restless or nervous.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

Alcohol should not be consumed while taking this medicine since it may increase the risk of side effects like confusion, dizziness, and impaired judgment. Avoid performing activities that need high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery if alcohol and dextromethorphan are used together.
Interaction with Medicine

Escitalopram

Metoclopramide

Ondansetron

Alprazolam

Isocarboxazid

Perphenazine

Disease interactions

Psychiatric Conditions

This medicine should be used with caution in patients with psychiatric conditions due to an increased risk of confusion and hallucinations. An alternative treatment option should be considered based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Use this medicine exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not use in larger amounts than advised/prescribed. Report any adverse effects to the doctor immediately. If you are taking this medicine over the counter and if your symptoms do not improve within 7 days, consult your doctor immediately.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Causes sleepiness

How it works
It blocks the signals from the brain that trigger cough reflex and thus it helps in suppressing the cough.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Antitussives

Schedule

Schedule H

DailyMed - Dextromethorphan suspension, extended release [InternetDailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 11 July 2017]. Available from:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ce4b477c-430e-40a3-b247-b3914ef17793

Dextromethorphan - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 11 July 2017]. Available from:

https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00514

OTC medicine monograph: Dextromethorphan hydrobromide [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 11 July 2017]. Available from:

https://www.tga.gov.au/otc-medicine-monograph-dextromethorphan-hydrobromide

How will this medicine affect me?

Consult top doctors online and get an answer now
Consult now
Consult now

Looking for a doctor?

Book an appointment with the top doctors near you
Book now
Book now
Something doesn’t feel right?
Report an error

Information on this page was last updated on 8 Feb 2018

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.