A Member of the University of Maryland Medical System   |   In Partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine

Share

Email PageEmail Print PagePrint

Home > Medical Reference > Drug Notes (English)



Dextromethorphan (By mouth)

Introduction:

Dextromethorphan (dex-troe-meth-OR-fan)

Treats a cough caused by colds, the flu, and other conditions. This medicine is a cough suppressant.

Brand Name(s):

Delsym, Simply Cough, Creo-Terpin, Vicks 44 Cough Relief, Scot-Tussin Diabetes CF, Robafen Cough, Rite Aid Tussin Cough, Robitussin Cough Gels Long Acting, Children's Pedia Care, Robitussin Pediatric Cough Long Acting, Pediacare Long-Acting Cough, Miltuss, Good Neighbor Tussin, Quality Choice Cough Relief, Long-Acting Cough Suppressant

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

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 ParnateĀ®, NardilĀ®, or MarplanĀ®) 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.

How to Use This Medicine:

Chewable Tablet, Lozenge, Liquid, Thin Sheet, Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
  • 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.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • 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 While Using This Medicine:

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Mild drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, or restlessness
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
  • Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com
Adam QualityA.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com
Connect with UMMC
Facebook Twitter YouTube Blog iPhone

Please rate the quality of this article.

Do you find this article to be helpful / informative?
              
Poor                                       Excellent

Do you have any brief comments on this page: (up to 255 characters)

© 2011 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved.
UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System,
22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. TDD: 1-800-735-2258 or 1.866.408.6885