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, Scot-Tussin Diabetes CF, Vicks 44 Cough Relief, 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, Robitussin Maximum Strength, Robitussin Cough Long Acting, Creomulsion Cough

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 Parnate®, Nardil®, or Marplan®) 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 2 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, 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