What is Dextromethorphan and quinidine?
The combination medicine of dextromethorphan and quinidine can be used to relieve involuntary crying and laughter among people who have certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for quinidine and dextromethorphan.
Side effects of Dextromethorphan and quinidine
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergy reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling on lips, face throat or tongue
Dextromethorphan may have serious side effects. If you experience:
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You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, a fluttering feeling in your chest, shortness of breath (like you could pass out), and sudden dizziness.
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Easy bruising and bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
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Pain or burning after urinating;
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Liver problems: fever, upper right stomach pain, nausea, lack of appetite, skin yellowing or eye swelling, feeling unwell;
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Lupus symptoms include muscle or joint pains, influenza symptoms, chest discomfort, an rash, or patches of skin that become darker in the sun.
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f you experience symptoms such as hallucinations or agitation, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, and twitching,
Some of the common side effects associated with dextromethorphan or quinidine include:
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Dizziness, weakness;
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Diarrhea, gas, vomiting;
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You may experience swelling in your feet or hands.
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Flu symptoms include coughing.
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Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects.Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; to report such effects call the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Nuedexta
Warnings
This medicine should not be used if you suffer from heart failure, have "AV Block" (except if you are wearing a pacemaker), or have an extremely dangerous heart rhythm disorder. Dextromethorphan or quinidine should also be avoided if taking quinidine or mefloquine. If you've ever experienced an allergic reaction to any of these drugs or had a serious medical condition, you shouldn't take them. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking, as well as any new ones. Some drugs are not to be taken together, and others can cause drug interactions.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic to quinidine or dextromethorphan, you should avoid taking dextromethorphan.
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Heart failure;
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A history of a life-threatening rhythmic heart disorder
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long qt syndrome
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A serious condition of the heart called an "av block" (unless your pacemaker is working);
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If you are also taking mefloquine or other drugs such as quinidine and quinine,
If you've ever experienced any of these problems after taking quinidine or mefloquine (or both), then dextromethorphan is not for you.
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The bruised or bleeding area;
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Hepatitis;
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An allergic reaction
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Lupus symptoms include joint pain, fever, and a rash around your cheeks.
If you've used MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days, do not take dextromethorphan or quinidine. Drug interactions can occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injectable, phenelzine rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and other drugs. You must wait 14 days after stopping dextromethorphan or quinidine before starting an MAOI. Quinidine and dextromethorphan can lead to serious heart problems. Do not use these drugs if you are also taking other medications for heart disease, high blood pressure, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, and HIV. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are also taking stimulant medicines, opioids, herbs, or medications for mental illnesses like Parkinson’s disease or migraine headaches. They can cause serotonin-induced syndrome, a dangerous condition that occurs when dextromethorphan and quinidine are combined.
If you've ever:
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Coronary Artery Disease, more commonly referred to as heart disease, results from high blood pressure.
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Slow heartbeats, or heart rhythm disorders of any kind;
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Electrolyte imbalance (such as low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood);
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Myasthenia gravis;
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Trouble with walking or balance.
Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or nursing. Anyone younger than the age of 18 is not allowed to use dextromethorphan or quinidine.
How to take Dextromethorphan and quinidine?
Reading all instructions or guides that come with your medication and following all directions carefully are key components to taking effective medicine.Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take Dextromethorphan and Quinidine once daily for seven days. Then, take it once every twelve hoursRemember to heed your doctor's recommendations! Take dextromethorphan or quinidine either with food or without. You will be required to have your doctor check on you regularly. Your doctor may require medical tests in order to determine the length of time you should be treated with quinidine and dextromethorphan. Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for pseudobulbar effect:
Initial Dose: Day 1–7: 20mg Dextromethorphan–10 mg Quinidine orally, once daily
Maintenance Dose: From Day 8 onwards: Dextromethorphan (20 mg)-quinidine (10 mg), orally, every 12 hours
Maximum dose: Dextromethorphan, 40 mg quinidine, 20 mg per day orally
Comment: If spontaneous improvements in PBA occur, the need to continue treatment must be evaluated periodically.
Treatment for pseudobulbar affect
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip any missed one and don't exceed two capsules in 24 hours.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. An overdose of a drug can lead to severe dizziness and confusion. It may also cause double vision, ringing ears, loss of hearing, nausea, an irregular or fast heartbeat, shallow or weak breathing, or seizures (convulsions).
What should be avoided?
Dextromethorphan or quinidine can affect your reactions. Avoid dangerous activities until you are familiar with how they will impact you. You could have impaired reactions. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position. Dizziness may cause accidents or serious injuries. Grapefruit can cause unwanted side effects when combined with quinidine or dextromethorphan. Use grapefruit-based products as little as possible. You can get dextromethorphan poisoning if you take certain medications together. You should check the labels of medications such as Delsym Maximum Strength, Robitussin, Vicks, etc.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain drugs at the same time. Some medications can cause side effects that increase or decrease the effectiveness of another drug you are taking. Quinidine and dextromethorphan can lead to serious heart problems. You may also be at greater risk if you are taking other medications for asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, mental illnesses, HIV, cancer, or malaria. Dextromethorphan can be affected by many drugs, including quinidine. Some drugs shouldn't be taken together. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and vitamin products. This list does not include all interactions.
