What is Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?
Dexchlorpheniramine reduces histamine's effects in the body. Histamine may cause symptoms such as sneezing and itching. It can also lead to watery eyes and a runny or watery nose. Dextromethorphan suppresses coughing. It works by affecting the brain signals that cause the cough reflex. Pseudoephedrine works to relieve congestion in the nasal passageways by contracting blood vessels and shrinking.Dilated vessels in the nose can lead to congestion. Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine are a combination of medicines used to treat allergies, colds, flu, runny noses, stuffy noses, and sneezing. It also treats itching and watery eyes. Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine do not work to treat coughs caused by asthma or emphysema, nor can they be used for a smoker's cough. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of dexchlorpheniramine (also known as pseudoephedrine), dextromethorphan, or pseudoephedrine.
Side effects of Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic response: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling on lips, face throat or tongue
The side effects of this medicine can be serious. If you experience:
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Heart rates can fluctuate rapidly or steadily depending on a number of factors.
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Severe headaches, changes in mood, and hallucinations.
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Feeling dizzy or anxious, as if you could pass out.
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Tremor, seizure (convulsions);
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Easy bruising, bleeding, or unusual weakness
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Fever;
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Little or no urination;
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Shortness of breath
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High blood pressure can be dangerous (headache, blurred or distorted vision, buzzing sounds in the ears, confusion, anxiety, chest pains, irregular heartbeats, and seizures).
Some of the common side effects associated with dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine include:
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Mild headache
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Mild dizziness and drowsiness;
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Dry mouth, throat, nose, or nostril
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Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;
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Feeling nervous, restless, or irritable
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Blurred vision
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Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice regarding side effects; report these incidents directly by contacting FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Azthromycin, Fluticasone Nasal, Montelukast, and Cetirizine
Warnings
If you've taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days, don't use cold or cough medicine. You could have a dangerous drug interaction. The MAO inhibitors are furazolidone (isocarboxazid), linezolid (phenelzine), rasagiline, and selegiline.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to dexchlorpheniramine or dextromethorphan. If you've taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days, don't use cold or cough medicine.There is the risk that dangerous drug interactions will take place.The MAO inhibitors are furazolidone (isocarboxazid), linezolid (phenelzine), rasagiline, and selegiline. If you are suffering from any other health conditions or symptoms, you should consult your doctor before taking this medication.
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If you suffer from asthma, COPD, a persistent cough caused by mucus accumulation or smoking - or chronic lung diseases in general - this could be the source of your problems.
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A blockage of the intestines or stomach;
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Glaucoma;
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Kidney disease
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Liver Disease
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Diabetes;
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High blood pressure;
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A thyroid condition;
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Cough with mucus or cough due to emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or bronchiolitis;
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Urination or prostate problems;
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If you are taking potassium supplements (such as Cytra, Epiklor, or K-Lyte),
FDA pregnancy class CThere is no information on whether or not this medicine will harm an unborn child. If you're pregnant, do not take cough and cold medicines without consulting your doctor.
The medicine can pass through breast milk, which may be harmful to a baby who is nursing. Decongestants and antihistamines can also reduce breast milk production. If you're breastfeeding, do not take cough and cold medicines without consulting your doctor.
How to take Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?
Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or duration. Take only what is instructed; don't exceed it! Cold/Cough medication should only be taken for as long as symptoms exist - these drugs should never be given to children younger than four years. Before giving cough medicine or cold medication to your child, consult a medical practitioner first. Children as young as 4 can die due to misuse. Do not chew or crush tablets - swallow whole for optimal effectiveness. For liquid medicines such as syrups and suspensions, measure with either a medicine cup or spoon available from pharmacies, otherwise contact them immediately if you do not already own either item. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days, call your physician or surgeon immediately. Informing them if you have taken cough or cold medications within the last week would also be useful; store at a comfortable room temperature away from heat and moisture for best results.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a regular schedule of dosages since cough and cold medicines are taken as needed. Take the missed dosage as soon as possible if you take your medication regularly.If your next dose is coming due, do not take the one missed.You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Before using another cold, allergy, or cough medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Many combination medications contain dexchlorpheniramine (also known as DXP), dextromethorphan (also called DEX), and pseudoephedrine. You can get an overdose of certain drugs by taking certain products in combination. You can check the label of a medication to determine if it contains antihistamines, decongestants, or cough suppressants (antitussives). Certain side effects can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption. The medicine can cause a blurred view and affect your ability to think or react. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness and the ability to see clearly.
Interaction with other drug
Before using dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you also use any other medications, such as prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herb products. When used in combination, some medicines may cause harmful or unwanted effects. This medication guide does not list all interactions. This medicine can have a worsening effect if taken with drugs that cause you to sleep or reduce your breathing. Before taking sleeping pills, pain relievers, muscle relaxers, anxiety or depression medications, as well as dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine, consult your doctor.
