Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in
the brain that trigger cough reflex.
Dextromethorphan is used to treat a cough. It is available
over-the-counter alone and is present in many over-the-counter and prescription
combination medications. Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused
by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.
Directions for use:
Adults
15 mg PO q4hr OR 30 mg q6-8hr
>12 years: 60 mg PO q12hr; not to exceed 120 mg/24hr
* Do not give dextromethorphan to a child younger than 4 years old.
* Caution in children younger than 6
years
* Consult your doctor before taking this medicine in the following
cases:
- You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to Dextromethorphan.
- Do not use dextromethorphan if you have used an MAO inhibitor
such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect),
selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or methylene blue
injection within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can
occur if you take dextromethorphan before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from
your body
- If you have emphysema or
chronic bronchitis.
Warning:
* Since cough medicine is usually taken only as needed, you may not
be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the
missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled
time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose
* Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too
much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness,
difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, or seizures (convulsions). Overdose can
also result in coma or death.
* Avoid drinking alcohol. It
can increase some of the side effects of dextromethorphan. This medication can
cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert
* Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants
(such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a stimulant together
with cough medicine can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.
* Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy
medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Dextromethorphan is
contained in many combination medicines available over the counter. If you take
certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this medicine.
Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains
dextromethorphan
Side Effects:
Like all medicines, gelo cough can cause side effects, although not
everyone gets them. Side effects often improve as your body gets used to the
medicine.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects bother you or
last for more than a few days:
Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Sedation, Confusion,Nervousness
Interactions:
Before taking dextromethorphan, tell your doctor if you are using
any of the following drugs:
Celecoxib, Cinacalcet, Darifenacin, Imatinib, Quinidine, Ranolazine
, Ritonavir, Sibutramine, Terbinafine, medicines to treat high blood pressure;
or Antidepressant medications such as Amitriptyline, Bupropion , fluoxetine,
fluvoxamine, imipramine, paroxetine, sertraline and others.
Pregnancy:
FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or
plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; use caution
Storage:
Keep in a dry place & Store
below 25°C.
Keep out of reach of the children.
