Dextromethorphan - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions

Overview:

Dextromethorphan is often referred to as DXM and is most commonly used as a cough suppressant in over-the-counter cold and cough medicines. This is because it affects the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. But it cannot treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Dextromethorphan is available in syrup, tablets, spray, and lozenge forms. It is part of the morphinan class of medications with sedative, dissociative, and stimulant properties. In its pure form, it usually occurs as a white powder. It acts as an antitussive and has antihyperalgesic effects.

What Are The Uses Of Dextromethorphan?

Dextromethorphan belongs to the drug class called antitussives. It can temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions. Dextromethorphan will reduce a cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or promote a speedy recovery.

How Does A Dextromethorphan Work?

Dextromethorphan works by suppressing the cough reflex by acting directly on the signals in the part of the brain that controls coughing. The liver breaks down Dextromethorphan by using the cytochrome P-450 protein.

How To Use Dextromethorphan?

• Dextromethorphan usually comes as a liquid-filled capsule, a chewable tablet, a dissolving strip, a solution (liquid), an extended-release (long-acting) suspension (liquid), and a lozenge. It is taken for every 4 to 12 hours as needed. It is advisable to carefully follow the directions on the package or prescription label and ask the doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you do not understand.

• Dextromethorphan should be used only according to the instructions given in the label or package. Do not ingest it more than the recommended dose in a 24-hour period. Taking it in large amounts can cause serious side effects like coma or death.

• Dextromethorphan can come alone or in combination with antihistamines, cough suppressants, and decongestants. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to know which product is best for your symptoms.

• Check the nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before using two or more products simultaneously. Because these products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and, when taken together, could lead to an overdose.

What Are The Things To Remember Before Taking Dextromethorphan?

• Do not give Dextromethorphan to a child who is younger than four years of age. Always consult with a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur due to the misuse of any cough or cold medicines in very young children.

• Do not take Dextromethorphan if you have used an MAO inhibitor like Isocarboxazid (Marplan), Selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), Phenelzine (Nardil), Rasagiline (Azilect), Tranylcypromine (Parnate), or Methylene blue injection within the past 14 days.

• Life-threatening severe side effects can occur from taking Dextromethorphan if you take it before the MAO (Monoamine oxidase) inhibitor has cleared from your body.

• It is not advisable to use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

• If you take some products together, you may unintentionally take too much of one or more types of medicine. So, read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains Dextromethorphan.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Dextromethorphan?

• Avoid drinking alcohol because it can increase the side effects of Dextromethorphan.

• Be careful while driving, or do not do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

• Avoid taking caffeine pills, diet pills, or other stimulants without the advice of the doctor.

• Avoid taking a stimulant together with cough medicine.

• Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, cough, or allergy medication along with Dextromethorphan without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

• Dextromethorphan is present in many combination drugs available over the counter. If it is taken along with certain products, you may accidentally take too much of this medicine. Therefore, read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains Dextromethorphan.

What Are the Dosages of Dextromethorphan?

What Are The Dosing Considerations?

• Abuse potential is much lower than codeine.

• Potential toxic doses for children under six years: 10 mg/kg.

• Please do not take it more than the recommended dose.

• About 15-30 mg of Dextromethorphan is equal to 8-15 mg codeine as an antitussive. It should be given as follows:

Adult Dosage:

• Liquid and syrup: 10-20 mg should be given orally every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6-8 hours.

• Gel: 30 mg should be given orally every 6-8 hours, and it should not exceed 120 mg per day.

• Liquid extended-release: 60 mg should be given orally for every 12 hours, should not exceed 120 mg per day.

• Lozenges: 5-15 mg should be given orally every 1-4 hours and do not exceed 120 mg per day.

• Strips: 30 mg should be given orally every 6-8 hours and not exceed 120 mg per day.

Pediatric Dosage:

Children under the age of 4: Prescription only.

Liquid extended-release:

• Children 4-6 years old: 15 mg should be given orally twice daily and not exceed 30 mg per day.

• Children 6-12 years: 30 mg to be given orally twice daily and not exceed 60 mg per day.

• Children over 12 years: 60 mg should be given orally twice daily and not exceed 120 mg per day.

Liquid/Syrup:

• Children 4-6 years old: 7.5 mg to be given every 6-8 hours and not exceed 30 mg per day.

• Children 6-12 years old: 15 mg to be given orally every 6-8 hours and not exceed 60 mg per day.

• Children over 12 years: 10-20 mg to be given orally every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6-8 hours, not exceeding 120 mg per day.

Gel:

• Children over 12 years: 30 mg to be given every 6-8 hours and not exceed 120 mg per day.

Lozenges:

• Children 6-12 years: 5-10 mg to be given every 1-4 hours and not exceed 60 mg per day.

• Children over 12 years: 5-15 mg to be given orally every 1-4 hours and not exceed 120 mg per day.

Strips:

• Children 6-12 years: 15 mg to be given orally every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 60 mg per day.

• Children over 12 years: 30 mg given orally every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day.

What Is The Onset Of Action Of Dextromethorphan?

The onset of action for Dextromethorphan is 30 minutes. It can be rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and exerts its antitussive effect in about 15-30 minutes after oral administration. The duration of action is approximately 3-6 hours with conventional dosage forms.

What Are The Side Effects Associated With Dextromethorphan?

Side effects associated with the use of Dextromethorphan include the following:

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Constipation.

• Drowsiness.

• Dizziness.

• Sedation.

• Confusion.

• Nervousness.

What Are The Drugs Which Interact With Dextromethorphan?

The drugs which interact with Dextromethorphan include:

• Isocarboxazid.

• Procarbazine.

• Safinamide.

• Phenelzine.

• Tranylcypromine.

• Rasagiline.

• Selegiline.

Dextromethorphan has severe interactions with at least 36 different drugs, has moderate interactions with at least 38 different drugs, and mild interactions with at least 24 other drugs. Therefore, before using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you use. Keep a list of all the medications you are using and check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice if you need any further information.

What Happens If I Overdose On Dextromethorphan?

If you overdose on Dextromethorphan, seek emergency medical attention. The overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, or seizures (convulsions). Overdosing can also lead to coma or death.

What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Dextromethorphan?

Since cough medicines are taken only if required, you will not be on a dosing schedule. But if you are taking it regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. And if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Never take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Expiry Date:

Do not use the drug after the expiry date. Taking it after the expiry date may lead to serious side effects. Therefore, before taking any medicine, please check the expiry date, which is printed on the back of the pack, or consult with your pharmacist or doctor in case of any doubts.

What Are The Brand Names For Dextromethorphan?

• Balminil DM.

• Benylin DM.

• Bronchophan.

• Buckleys D.

• Calylin #1.

• Delsym.

• Koffex DM.

• Novahistex DM.

• Robitussin lingering cold long-acting cough.

• Robitussin lingering cold long-acting cough gels.

• Children’s Robitussin cough is long-acting.

• Sucrets 8 hour cough relief DM cough formula.