Brand names Boots Nirolex Lozenges, Contac CoughCaps, Robitussin Dry Cough, and others
Used in the following combined preparations Actifed Compound, Day Nurse, Night Nurse, Tancolin, and others
GENERAL INFORMATION
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppres – sant available over the counter in a umber of cough remedies. It is useful for the suppression of persistent, dry coughs, especially if sleep is disturbed.
It has little general sedative effect and unlike the stronger opioid cough suppressants, it is unlikely to lead to dependence if taken as recommended.
Like other cough suppressants, this drug should not be used for coughs that produce phlegm because it may prolong a chest infection by preventing normal elimination of sputum. Although dextromethorphan is less sedating than many similar drugs, drowsiness is the principal adverse effect.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Follow instructions on the label. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.
How taken
Capsules, lozenges, liquid.
Frequency and timing of doses
Up to 4 x daily as required. Lozenges: up to 10 daily.
Adult dosage range
Dependent on the preparation used.
Onset of effect
Within 30 minutes.
Duration of action
4-8 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember if needed to relieve coughing.
Stopping the drug
Can be safely stopped as soon as you no longer need it.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdoses may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, and breathing problems. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Adverse effects are rare when this drug is taken in recommended doses, and
diminish
if the dosage is reduced and as your body adjusts to the drug.
INTERACTIONS
Sedatives
All drugs that have a sedative effect on the central nervous system are likely to increase the sedative properties of dextromethorphan. Such drugs include antihistamines, opioid analgesics, sleeping drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and antipsychotic drugs.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
These drugs may interact dangerously with dextromethorphan. Do not take any cough medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Cough suppressant
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Medium
Prescription needed No
Available as generic No
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking this drug if:
You have a long-term liver problem.
You suffer from asthma or another serious respiratory problem.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended under 1 year. Reduced dose necessary in older children.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how dextromethorphan affects you because the drug may reduce alertness.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.
PROLONGED USE
Dextromethorphan should not be taken for longer than 2 days except on the advice of a doctor.
