Dextromethorphan (DM) |
Brand Names: Balminil DM Benylin 1 Cold and Flu Contac Cough and Cold Syrup Buckley's DM Corcidin II Cough and Cold (combined with Chlorpheniramine) Delsym DM Dimetapp Cough and Congestion Liquid Tylenol Flu Bedtime Neocitran Sore Throat and Cough Robitussin (combined with Pseudoephedrine) Sudafed Cold and Flu Triaminic Thin Strips - many other brands including genericsDrug category: cough suppressantPrescription Needed: Most products don't need a prescription but your doctor may give you a prescription if you have a drug plan.What is this drug used for?Dextromethorphan or simply DM is a cough-suppressing ingredient that is found in a variety of over-the-counter cold and cough medications. It is used to treat coughs associated with the common cold or flu. It should not be used to treat chronic coughs associated with asthma or smoking nor should it be used to treat phlegm-producing coughs. DM is most effective to treat a dry cough. Is there any reason why I shouldn't take this drug? Do not take this medication if you are allergic to it. You should not use any products containing DM if you are taking an MAO inhibitor (e.g. phenelzine tranylcypromine moclobemide selegiline in doses over 10mg per day) or if you stopped taking an MAO inhibitor less than 3 weeks ago. Tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:
Always disclose your full medical history with the medical team that is taking care of you in order for them to provide you with the safest and most effective care. What about possible side effects? Side effects from DM are not common when used as directed on the label. However most products containing DM also contain other drugs which may be related to other side effects. You may experience some mild side effects when you first take this medicine:
These side effects may be related to the dose the use of other medications and other factors (e.g. other medical conditions). As well some of these side effects may go away with time. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or become worse If you experience any of the following rare side effects you should stop taking DM and speak to your doctor:
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice. What if I am taking other drugs?Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are a smoker - this may affect how well DM works for you. You should not take DM if you are currently taking a drug called a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor or have recently stopped taking one in the past 3 weeks. There is a risk of serotonin syndrome (See Special Instructions). MAO inhibitors drugs include phenelzine (brand name Nardil) tranylcypromine (brand name Parnate) moclobemide (brand name Manerix generics available) isocarboxazid (available in the U.S.A. under the brand name Marplan) and others not available in Canada. Low doses of the MAO inhibitor selegeline (brand name Deprenyl generics available) may be safe but always be cautious and seek advice from your doctor Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications. Other Information: Special Instructions DM may affect levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a naturally produced substance in the brain that controls specific functions. Combining 2 or more products that affect serotonin levels increases the risk of a serious side effect called serotonin syndrome which is characterized by at least 3 of the following symptoms: agitation sweating diarrhea fever unusual muscle contractions fever loss of coordination shivering or tremor. There is very low risk of serotonin syndrome when taking DM by itself in doses directed on the product label. Since there are so many products that contain DM there is high risk of double-dosing especially when taking more than 1 product to treat a cold or flu. Always read labels to make sure the products you are taking together are not resulting in a double dose - check with your pharmacist if you are unsure. In rare cases people become addicted to dextromethorphan. Check the product's label to see how long you should take it. Do not take it more often or any longer than directed. Children: Should not be used in children under 2 years unless recommended by your doctor. Seniors: No known problems. Be aware that DM is often found in products that contain other drugs which may be problematic for seniors. Pregnant women: Safe for use during pregnancy. Women who are nursing: It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor. People who drive or operate machinery. Very low risk of drowsiness. See how this drug affects you before attempting these activities. Alcohol: If you drink always drink in moderation. Overdose: An unusually high dose of DM may cause slowed breathing agitation confusion coma extreme tiredness. If you experience any unusual reactions or suspect an overdose call your doctor or 911. Stopping the drug. You can stop using this medicine when you no longer need it. If you miss a dose: Use as directed when you need cough relief. If you are using a sustained relief product and your next scheduled dose is less than 4 hours away take the missed dose and skip the next one. Never take a double dose. If you are unsure of what to do talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Storage conditions: closed container; cool (below 25C) dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); always out of reach of children. Dietary precautions: None unless recommended by your doctor. |