Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Feed
Overview

Dextromethorphan

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant used for treating cough that is caused by asthma, smoking and emphysema. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Dextromethorphan provides symptomatic relief of coughs caused by minor viral upper respiratory tract infections or inhaled irritants. It is most effective for a chronic nonproductive cough.

Ask a doctor about using Dextromethorphan if you have chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Do not use it if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days of the treatment. This medicine is not recommended for children younger than 4 years of age.

Along with its medical benefits, this medicine causes a few side effects in some rare cases. These may include severe dizziness, anxiety, stomach upset, restless feeling, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, slow and shallow breathing.

The dosage for adults and children are different depending on the intensity of the cough. The amount and frequency of the dose will be prescribed by your doctor. It is advised to not take a lower and higher amount of Dextromethorphan or for longer than prescribed otherwise it will increase the risk of side effects.

Shake well and do not exceed recommended dosage. Take with a large glass of water. If cough lasts more than 1 week or is accompanied by a rash, fever, or headache, notify physician.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Dextromethorphan

    • Dry Cough

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Dextromethorphan ?

    • Hypersensitivity

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Dextromethorphan ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Dextromethorphan

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Dextromethorphan may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness with alcohol.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Dextromethorphan may be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
      Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect of this medicine is initiated within 15 - 30 minutes after its administration.

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      This medicine will remain active up to 6 hours.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      If you miss a dose of Dextromethorphan, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Dextromethorphan

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Dextromethorphan as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    Dextromethorphan works as a decongestant by suppressing the nervous system and the part of your brain which is responsible for coughing. It does not really thin the mucus, but certainly provides relief.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Dextromethorphan ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Medicine

        CYP2D6, 2E1, 3A3/4 enzyme substrate
      • Interaction with Disease

        Research on chicken embryos exposed to concentrations of Dextromethorphan relative to those typically taken by humans has shown to cause birth defects and fetal death; more study is needed, but it is suggested that pregnant women should be advised not to use dextromethorphan-containing medications.

      FAQs about Dextromethorphan

      • Ques : What is Dextromethorphan?

        Ans : Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Dextromethorphan?

        Ans : It is used for treating coughs that is caused by asthma, smoking and emphysema. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Dextromethorphan before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : In most of the cases, the average time taken by this medication to reach its peak effect is around 1 day to 1 week. Please consult your doctor for the time period you need to use this medication.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Dextromethorphan?

        Ans : This medication is generally used once or twice a day. It is advised to consult your doctor before the usage, as the frequency also depends on the patient's condition.

      • Ques : Should I use Dextromethorphan empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : Dextromethorphan, is an oral medicine to be taken with meals. If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset the stomach. Please consult the doctor before using it.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Dextromethorphan?

        Ans : It should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

      • Ques : How long does Dextromethorphan take to work?

        Ans : Usually, Dextromethorphan starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.

      • Ques : What if I don't get better after using Dextromethorphan?

        Ans : Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.

      • Ques : Is it habit forming?

        Ans : No addiction issues have been reported yet.

      • Ques : Is Dextromethorphan safe?

        Ans : Dextromethorphan is generally safe if taken at recommended doses and duration.

      References

      • Dextromethorphan-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/dextromethorphan

      • Dextromethorphan-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00514

      • DEXTROMETHORPHAN Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=DEXTROMETHORPHAN

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
      swan-banner
      Sponsored

      Popular Questions & Answers

      View All

      I am suffering from persistent dry cough from 7...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Ali Anwar Qureshi

      Ayurveda

      Take tablet zifi o200 mg 1 tablet 2 times a day tablet wikoryl 1 tablet 2 times a day tablet levo...

      I am woman of 36 years I have cough last 18 day...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Amit Kumar Poddar

      Pulmonologist

      see the outcome of the treatment.if it is good then it is ok.if not ICS+laba(budamate) inhalation...

      My mom aged 44 yrs, having long persistent dry ...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Nash Kamdin

      General Physician

      Dear lybrateuser, - Avoid cold fluids, have more of warm fluids water, tea, coffee & soup - do st...

      Is DEXTROMETHORPHAN safe for children aged 3 ye...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Lalit Mittal

      Pediatrician

      Any cough syp containing dextromethorpan is totally safe if given above 2 years of age. Dosage fo...

      I am 27 years old and taking chlorpheniramine, ...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Amit Kyal

      Gynaecologist

      Don't worry, if you take the above mentioned medications for short term (3 to 4) days, it won't h...

      Table of content

      Content Details
      Profile Image
      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
      Profile Image
      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
      chat_icon

      Ask a free question

      Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

      posted anonymously
      swan-banner