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.
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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
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 15-30 minutes of an oral dose.
- Duration of effectThe 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
How it works
It blocks the signals from the brain that trigger cough reflex and thus it helps in suppressing the cough.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antitussives
Schedule
Schedule H
DailyMed - Dextromethorphan suspension, extended release [InternetDailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 11 July 2017]. Available from:
Dextromethorphan - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 11 July 2017]. Available from:
OTC medicine monograph: Dextromethorphan hydrobromide [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 11 July 2017]. Available from:
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.