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Dextromethorphan Suspension

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Jun.23.2023

Dextromethorphan Suspension

What is this medication?

DEXTROMETHORPHAN (dex troe meth OR fan) is used to relieve cough. It works by calming your cough reflex. It belongs to a group of medications called cough suppressants.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Dizziness
Drowsiness
Fatigue

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F) unless otherwise directed. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

Asthma
Emphysema
Large amount of mucus
Liver disease
Tobacco use
An unusual or allergic reaction to dextromethorphan, bromides, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

Medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health condition
Other medications for allergies or cold
Procarbazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Do not treat yourself for a cough for more than 1 week without consulting your care team. If you have a high fever, skin rash, lasting headache, or sore throat, see your care team.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.