This medication is used for temporary relief of coughs
without phlegm that are caused by certain infections of the air passages
(such as sinusitis, common cold). This product should not usually be used
for an ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as
chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor. This product
contains dextromethorphan. It is a cough suppressant that works by
decreasing the feeling of needing 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. 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 medication by mouth, usually every 4 to 12
hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs,
take with food or milk. Use a medication-measuring device to measure your
dose of liquid medication. Do not use a household spoon because you may not
get the correct dose. If you are taking a suspension, shake the product
well before measuring out your dose.
Dosage is based on the product you are taking and your
age, medical condition, and response to treatment. If you are using this
medication for self-treatment (without a prescription from your doctor),
follow the specific dosing instructions on the packaging to find the
correct dose for your age.
If your doctor directs you to take this medication
daily, take it regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you
remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
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 prescribed.
Properly stop the medication when so directed.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms last or get worse
after more than 1 week or if you also have fever, chills, headache, or
rash. These may be signs of a more serious condition.
Slight drowsiness/dizziness, nausea, or vomiting may
occur. Rarely, some people may experience severe drowsiness/dizziness with
normal doses. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor
or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication 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.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- lung problems (such as asthma, emphysema)
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.
Avoid 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.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug 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.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- other medications for cough (such as hydrocodone,
over-the-counter cough/cold products)
- rolapitant
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, vomiting, 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. 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.