What is Dextromethorphan and doxylamine?
Dextromethorphan suppresses coughing. It works by affecting the signals that are sent to the brain and triggering the cough reflex. Doxylamine reduces the effects that histamine has on the body. Histamine can cause symptoms such as sneezing and itching. It may also cause watery eyes and a runny or irritated nose. The flu, the cold, or allergies can cause watery eyes, itching, and a runny nose. Smoking, asthma, or emphysema will not cause a cough to be treated by dextromethorphan or doxylamine. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for dextromethorphan or doxylamine.
Side effects of Dextromethorphan and doxylamine
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, facial or throat swelling and difficulty swallowing. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Dextromethorphan may have serious side effects. If you experience:
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Severe dizziness or anxiety;
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A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
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Little or no urinating is acceptable.
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Liver problems: nausea, upper stomach discomfort, itching and tiredness, loss of appetite.Other symptoms can include dark urine, clay-colored stools and jaundice.
Some of the common side effects associated with dextromethorphan or doxylamine include:
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Drowsiness, dizziness;
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Nervousness;
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Sleep problems (insomnia);
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Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
There may be other side effects. To get medical advice regarding side effects, call your physician directly. Alternatively, for reporting purposes the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
benzonatate
,
benadryl
,
diphenhydramine
,
guaifenesin
,
dextromethorphan
, mucinex, and bromfed DM
Warnings
Dextromethorphan or doxylamine should not be used if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Examples include isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine injection), rasagiline (selegiline), tranylcypromine, and methylene blue.
This medication should not be given to children younger than four years of age. Ask a doctor first before giving cough or cold medication to your child. Children as young as 4 years old can die from the misuse of cough medicines. Antihistamines should not be used to put a child to sleep.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to dextromethorphan or doxylamine. Dextromethorphan or doxylamine should not be used if MAO inhibitors have been taken within the last 14 days. Harmful drug interactions may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and other drugs. This medication should not be given to children younger than four years of age. Ask a doctor first before giving cough or cold medication to your child. Children as young as 4 years old can die from the misuse of cough medicines. Antihistamines should not be used to put a child to sleep.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that dextromethorphan or doxylamine will not harm you:
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Heart disease, high blood pressure
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A thyroid disorder
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A blockage of your digestive tract, such as the stomach or intestines;
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Liver or kidney disease
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Diabetes;
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If you have a cough that is mucus-like, it could be due to emphysema, chronic lung disease, or bronchitis.
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Other urination issues or bladder obstruction
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If you are taking potassium (Cytra Epiklor K-Lyte K-Phos kaon Klor-Con Polycitra Urocit-k), please read carefully as taking these medications could potentially have severe negative side effects on the body.
Dextromethorphan, doxylamine, and other drugs are not known to harm unborn babies. Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant.Dextromethorphan or doxylamine can pass into breast milk and pose risks to nursing infants.Antihistamines can also reduce breast milk production. Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're breastfeeding. Phenylalanine can be found in cough and cold medicines that are artificially sweetened. Check the label of your medication to determine if it contains phenylalanine if you have phenylketonuria.
How to take Dextromethorphan and doxylamine?
Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration. Cold and cough medicine should typically only be taken for a short time period (2-4 days), until symptoms have subsided. Use the provided dosing syringe or dose-measuring cup/spoon to accurately measure liquid medications; consult your pharmacist if you don't own one of these devices. If symptoms don't improve within 7 days or you experience fever, headache, cough, or rash seek medical help immediately; tell them if you have taken Doxylamine or Dextromethorphan recently and store liquid medicine at room temperature away from moisture or heat; liquid should always be stored away from moisture/heat to preserve quality and effectiveness.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for nasal congestion and cough:
Dextromethorphan-doxylamine 15 mg-6.25 mg/15 mL oral liquid:
Do not exceed four doses per day.
Dextromethorphan-doxylamine 7.5 mg-3.125 mg/5 mL oral liquid:
Do not exceed four doses per day.
The usual pediatric dose for nasal congestion and cough:
Dextromethorphan-doxylamine 15 mg-6.25 mg/15 mL oral liquid:
Do not exceed 4 doses per day for 12-year-olds.
Dextromethorphan-doxylamine 7.5 mg-3.125 mg/5 mL oral liquid:
Do not exceed 4 doses per day for 12-year-olds.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for dextromethorphan or doxylamine, as they are used only when necessary. If you have a regular schedule, take the missed dose as quickly as you can. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra 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?
Alcohol may enhance certain side effects from dextromethorphan or doxylamine medications. Before using any other allergy, cold, or sleep medications consult your physician or pharmacist first.Dextromethorphan and doxylamine are found in many combination medications. You can get too much dextromethorphan or doxylamine by taking certain products together. You may experience blurred vision, impaired thinking, or reactions when taking this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you have determined how dextromethorphan and doxylamine affect you.
Interaction with other drug
Before using this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you also use any other medications, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.Combining medicines can cause unwanted or adverse side-effects.This medication guide does not list all possible interactions. This medicine can have a worse effect if taken with drugs that slow breathing or make you sleepy. Ask your doctor if you should take dextromethorphan or doxylamine along with sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicines, muscle relaxers, or medicine to treat anxiety, depression, or seizures.
