Dextromethorphan and promethazine 

What is Dextromethorphan and promethazine?

Dextromethorphan suppresses coughs. Promethazine acts as an antihistamine. The combination medicine of dextromethorphan and promethazine treats colds and allergy-related symptoms such as stuffy noses, sneezing, and runny or stuffy noses. Dextromethorphan and promethazine can be used by adults and children over 2 years of age. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for promethazine and dextromethorphan.

Side effects of Dextromethorphan and Promethazine

If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to lips, face or throat - seek medical assistance immediately!

This medicine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

• When you stop breathing during sleep, it is called shallow or weak breathing.

• Unusual restlessness or excitement

• Uncontrolled movements of your tongue, neck, or eyes

• Heart rate can be fast, slow, or uneven.

• Hallucinations ringing through your ears

• A seizure;

• Fever, chills, weakness;

• Easy bruising and unusual bleeding

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

• Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff (rigid muscles), high fever, sweating and confusion, rapid or uneven heartbeats tremors. Feeling like you may pass out.

Some of the common side effects associated with dextromethorphan or promethazine include:

• Drowsiness, dizziness;

• Dry mouth, nose, or throat

• Blurred vision

• Nausea, vomiting;

• Loss of coordination

There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting side effects is necessary.

Similar/related drugs

prednisone, fluticasone nasal, montelukast, cetirizine, benzonatate, benadryl, and diphenhydramine

Warnings

Promethazine can slow breathing, which is why it has been fatal in infants. Dextromethorphan or promethazine should not be given to children younger than two years of age. Use dextromethorphan or promethazine only if you've used a MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. Examples include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene-blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, and selegiline.

Before you take this drug

This medicine should not be used if:

• Asthma or other breathing disorders;

• An allergy to drugs similar to promethazine

You should not take this medication if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

Please inform your physician of any of the following issues:

• Sleep apnea or any other breathing disorder

• A seizure;

• Eczema;

• Bone marrow depression

• Glaucoma;

• A stomach ulcer

• Blockage of the intestines or stomach;

• A bladder obstruction or any other urination problem;

• An enlarged prostrate

• Liver disease

• Heart problems

• If you are bedridden or in any other way incapacitated,

Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or nursing. This medicine may increase the risk that the baby will bleed if taken during the final 2 weeks of pregnancy. Consult a doctor prior to giving this medication to a child under 12 years of age.

How to take Dextromethorphan and promethazine?

Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all instructions on the label. Follow the directions on the label. Do not use promethazine and dextromethorphan in children younger than 2 years old. Carefully follow the instructions for use with children 2 years and older. Promethazine has been known to cause death in young children by slowing their breathing. Use the syringe provided or a dosing device to measure liquid medicines (not a spoon). This medication can cause false pregnancy tests and affect certain medical tests. Tell your doctor or lab staff if you've taken promethazine and dextromethorphan in the last few days.If your symptoms continue or worsen, seek medical assistance immediately. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.

What happens if I miss the dose?

When needed, promethazine and dextromethorphan are used. You can skip any missed dose if you have a regular dosing schedule. Never use two doses in one go.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include dilated or slowed pupils, slow breathing, or feeling restless.

What should be avoided?

You should avoid driving, biking, or engaging in any other dangerous activity until you are sure of how promethazine and dextromethorphan will affect you. Your reaction time could be affected. Consult your doctor or pharmacist prior to using any other cold or cough medicines that contain dextromethorphan. Avoid alcohol consumption. When you're outdoors, avoid sunlight and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).

Interaction with other drug

This effect can be worsened by combining dextromethorphan with promethazine or other drugs that cause drowsiness. Prior to taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxant or medication for anxiety or seizures, consult with a licensed healthcare practitioner.

Notify your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, such as:

• Antidepressants are a type of medication.

• A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital

• Asthma medication, bronchodilator;

• Cold or allergy medication (Benadryl and others);

• Medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease

• Medicine to treat overactive urinary bladder

• Medicine to treat stomach issues, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome

This list is incomplete. Dextromethorphan, promethazine, and other drugs can interact with each other. It includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products; but this list doesn't encompass every possible interaction.