What is Dextromethorphan?
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant medication which affects the signals in the brain that triggers a cough reflex. The medication is also used for treating coughs. This is available as over-the-counter alone and is also present in combination with other medications. Dextromethorphan is not used for the treatment for cough which is caused by smoking, asthma and emphysema.
Dextromethorphan Uses
The medication is used for the temporary relief of coughs without phlegm which can cause infections of the air passages. The medication should not be used for an ongoing cough which is caused due to smoking or any long-term breathing problems unless the medication is prescribed by the doctor. This is a cough suppressant which works by decreasing the feeling of cough.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects of Dextromethorphan are:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Rash
- Anxiety
- Convulsions
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Breathlessness
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Dextromethorphan if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Dextromethorphan side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Dextromethorphan talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients that can cause some allergic reactions or some other serious problems.
Before using the medications talk with your doctor about any of the medical history or problems you are having such as:
- Lung problems
- Kidney disease
- Stomach ulcers
- Asthma
- Emphysema
While taking this drug to avoid the consumption of alcohol. Talk with your doctor if you are feeling drowsy after taking Dextromethorphan.
Cough and cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children less than 6 years of age. Therefore, do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children less than 6 years of age unless specifically directed by a doctor.
How to take Dextromethorphan?
Dextromethorphan comes in the form of a liquid-filled capsule, chewable tablet, dissolving strip and liquid. The medication is usually taken every 4 to 12 hours. Follow all the directions written on the package very carefully and also ask the doctor for giving a brief on the medications.
Dextromethorphan should be used exactly the way it's written on the prescription label. Avoid using more than the recommended amount of Dextromethorphan medication in a 24 hour period. Go through the packaging for knowing the exact amount of dose it contained. Taking high dosage can cause some serious side effects.
Also, Dextromethorphan comes in combination with antihistamines, cough suppressants and decongestants. Ask the doctor which medication would work best for your symptoms.
- If you are taking Dextromethorphan liquid avoid using a household spoon for measuring the dose. Use a measuring spoon or cup which comes with the medications.
- If you are using dissolving strips place the strip on the tongue and swallow it after it melts.
- If you are eating chewable tablets allow them to melt in the mouth or chew it properly before swallowing.
- If you are taking the extended-release suspension, shake the bottle properly before each use.
Dosage
Dosages of Dextromethorphan
Tablet (adult and pediatric) -15 mg
Capsule (adult)- 15 mg
Capsule (pediatric)-15 mg, 25 mg
Liquid, oral (adult)
- - 7.5 mg/5 ml
- - 10 mg/5 ml
- - 15 mg/5 ml
Syrup, oral (adult and pediatric)
- - 5 mg/5 ml
- - 7.5 mg/5 ml
- - 10 mg/5 ml
- - 15 mg/5 ml
- - 20 mg/15 ml
Liquid, extended release (adult and pediatric)
- - 30 mg/5 ml
Lozenge (adult and pediatric)
- - 5 mg
- - 7.5 mg
- - 15 mg
Strip, oral (adult and pediatric)
- - 7.5 mg
Cough Adult Dosage
- Liquid and syrup: 10-20 mg orally every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6-8 hours
- Gel: 30 mg orally every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day
- Extended-release: 60 mg orally every 12 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day
- Lozenges: 5-15 mg orally every 1-4 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day
- Strips: 30 mg orally every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Dextromethorphan won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Dextromethorphan tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Dextromethorphan consult your Doctor. In case you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Dextromethorphan, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Dextromethorphan.
Dextromethorphan vs Ambroxol
Dextromethorphan |
Ambroxol |
|---|---|
| Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant medication which affects the signals in the brain that triggers a cough reflex. The medication is also used for treating coughs. | Its is a clinically proven systemically active mucolytic agent. |
| The medication is used for the temporary relief of coughs without phlegm which can cause infections of the air passages. | Ambroxol is used for the treatment of respiratory tract disorders with viscid mucus. |
Some of the side effects of Dextromethorphan are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Ambroxol are:
|
