Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan acts as a cough suppressant that is used to help patients reduce coughing and to terminate the cough completely. This drug is an easily available medication that alters the signals in the brain which are responsible for the cough reflex itself. Dextromethorphan is classified as an ‘antitussive’.

DOSAGE –

• • • Dextromethorphan is to be taken as directed by the doctors.
    • This drug is available in forms of oral lozenges, disintegrating strips as well as liquid solutions.
    • Extra fluids are to be consumed while on drug course to lubricate the throat.
    • Treatment results are generally observed within 7 days of start of drug course.
    • General Adult Dosage available:

  Oral liquid solution – 7.5mg/0.8mL, 10mg/5mL, 15mg/5mL

Oral lozenges – 5mg, 10mg, 30mg

SIDE EFFECTS –

• Upset stomach

RARE SIDE EFFECTS:

• Seizures
• Allergic reactions
• Hallucinations
• Slow rate of breathing

DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Citalopram
• Desvenlafaxine
• Dolasetron
• Duloxetine
• Escitalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Isocarboxazid
• Lorcaserin
• Nefazodone
• Ondansetron
• Quinidine
• Rasagiline
• Safinamide
• Tapentadol
• Trazodone
• Venlafaxine
• Vilazodone

Dextromethorphan has major interactions with 40 different drugs.

MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Abiraterone
• Amobarbital
• Apomorphine
• Aripiprazole
• Asenapine
• Baclofen
• Brexpiprazole
• Butalbital
• Butorphanol
• Cannabis
• Celecoxib
• Chlorpheniramine
• Clonazepam
• Diazepam
• Ethanol
• Flavoxate
• Quinine

Dextromethorphan has moderate interactions with 221 different drugs.

PRECAUTIONS –

• Provide the doctor a detailed and accurate medical and drug history prior to drug prescription. Let them know of conditions such as phenylketonuria, in case the patient suffers from them (Certain forms of this drug contain phenylalanine and can harm patients who suffers from phenylketonuria.). Let the doctor know in case of usage of drugs such as celecoxib, imatinib, ritonavir, other antidepressants or medications used to treat blood pressure levels.
• In case of surgery, let the surgeon know ahead of time about the usage of this drug prior to the operation.
• Do not consume this drug in case of the usage of an MAO inhibitor 14 days prior to date of Dextromethorphan consumption.
• Do not use other cold or allergy medication along with Dextromethorphan until after consulting the same with a doctor.
• Consult a doctor before nursing, while on drug course.
• Avoid alcohol while on drug course.

WARNINGS –

• Dextromethorphan cannot treat coughs that are caused by habits such as smoking or respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
• Keep out of reach of children. This drug is not recommended for children below the age of 4. Consult a doctor before giving a child this drug; as in some cases, cough or cold medicine can cause symptoms as severe as death in children.
• In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Symptoms of overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, seizure, coma or even death.