Details

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex. Dextromethorphan is used to treat a cough. Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Dextromethorphan may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Do not give dextromethorphan to a child younger than 4 years old.

Typical Uses

Dextromethorphan is used for temporary relief of coughs without phlegm that are caused by certain infections of the air passages (e.g., sinusitis, common cold). This product should not usually be used for an ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (e.g., 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. Improper use of dextromethorphan may result in serious harm (e.g., brain damage, seizure, death). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed.

Side Effects

Stop using dextromethorphan and inform your doctor immediately if you have severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness confusion, hallucinations or slow, shallow breathing. Dextromethorphan may also lead to an upset stomach.

Drug Interactions

• Dextromethorphan+citalopram- Talk to your doctor before using dextromethorphan together with citalopram. Combining these medications can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

• Dextromethorphan+dolasetron- Using dolasetron together with dextromethorphan can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death.

• Dextromethorphan+granisetron- Using granisetron together with dextromethorphan can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death.

Mechanism of action

Dextromethorphan belongs to class of drugs called anti-tussives. It works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.

Pregnancy Category : C