Dextromethorphan is a medicine used as a cough suppressant. It works on the signals in the brain that are responsible for triggering the cough reflex.
It is an over-the-counter medicine and is present in many prescription combination medications.
This medicine will not be effective in curing cough caused by asthma, emphysema, or smoking. Its mechanism targets the central nervous system, making it suitable for symptomatic relief of acute cough due to common cold or respiratory infections. For chronic respiratory conditions, alternative treatments are advised. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended, especially when considering its inclusion in combination medications, to ensure safe and appropriate use.
This medication is effective for temporary relief from cough without phlegm. It is useful for some infections in the air passage like:
While Dextromethorphan is valuable for short-term relief from acute respiratory conditions, it is not typically recommended for managing long-term breathing issues such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. These chronic conditions require a more comprehensive approach, often involving medications tailored to the specific nature of the respiratory ailment and long-term management strategies. It's crucial for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice on managing their symptoms effectively and maintaining respiratory health over the long term.
The medicine is usually taken every 4-12 hours as prescribed by the doctor. The doctor might advise taking medicine with food or milk to avoid upsetting the stomach.
Use a proper measuring device to measure Dextromethorphan instead of kitchen spoons, as it can affect the amount of medicine you ingest.
If you notice or experience signs of an allergic reaction like trouble breathing, hives, or swelling on the face, tongue, throat, or lips, seek medical help as soon as possible.
The lesser severe and more likely side effect of taking Dextromethorphan can be an upset stomach.
Some severe side effects can include:
If you experience these side effects, you must immediately consult your doctor.
The dosages of dextromethorphan can vary depending on the specific formulation of the medication, the intended use, and the age of the individual. It's important to follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by the healthcare professional or as indicated on the product packaging. Dosages are typically specified in terms of milligrams (mg) of dextromethorphan per dose. Here are some general guidelines:
It's crucial to use the correct measuring device, such as a provided dosing cup or syringe, when administering liquid formulations to ensure accurate dosing. Additionally, individuals should not exceed the recommended dosage, as exceeding the recommended dose can lead to adverse effects.
Cough medicine is usually taken as needed. Your doctor may not have provided a schedule. However, if you forget a particular dose, quickly take the missed dose when you remember.
If it is time for your next dose, skip the previous one and take the next dose. Do not try to take two doses of Dextromethorphan to make up for the missed dose.
If you have ingested more than the recommended dosage, avail emergency medical attention. Some symptoms that can tell if you have overdosed can be vomiting, drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, problem breathing, seizures, and a fast heartbeat.
Using Dextromethorphan with the following medications can be harmful. Therefore, inform your doctor before taking the medicine if you are using the following medication:
Also, inform your doctor if you are on medication for high blood pressure or depression.
The medicine will start showing effect around 30-60 minutes after injecting the medication. It can reach peak effect between 2-4 hours.
While taking medication like Dextromethorphan, it is crucial to follow the guidelines provided by the healthcare professional. Consult the doctor immediately if you experience side effects. Accurately inform the medical staff about the medication you are already taking or have taken in the past few months to avoid complications.
Dextromethorphan |
Pholcodine |
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Composition |
Levorphanol is a chemical related to codeine and a non-opioid derivative of morphine. Dextromethorphan is a synthetic, methylated dextrorotary counterpart of levorphanol. |
Pholcodine is a morphinane alkaloid that is a morphine derivative with a 3-morpholinoethyl group. |
Uses |
When you have the flu, a cold, or another ailment, Dextromethorphan is used to treat your cough temporarily. |
Pholcodine, an opioid medication, treats non-productive (dry) cough in adults and children. |
Side Effects |
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It's important to check with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before combining dextromethorphan with other medications. Certain drug interactions may occur, and they can vary depending on the specific medications involved. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as supplements, that you are taking.
Dextromethorphan is generally considered safe for children when used as directed. However, it's crucial to follow the recommended dosage guidelines based on the child's age and weight. Caregivers should avoid giving multiple medications with similar ingredients to prevent accidental overdose. Always consult with a pediatrician or healthcare professional before administering any medication to children.
Dextromethorphan is typically used for dry, non-productive coughs. It works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, providing temporary relief from the urge to cough. It may not be as effective for chesty or productive coughs where the goal is often to help loosen and expel mucus. In cases of chesty coughs, an expectorant may be recommended instead.
Drowsiness is not a common side effect of dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan is designed to specifically target the cough reflex in the brain and does not typically have sedative effects. However, individual reactions to medications can vary, and some people may experience drowsiness. It's advisable to assess your response to the medication before engaging in activities that require alertness, and if drowsiness occurs, it's recommended to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
References:
https://www.drugs.com/Dextromethorphan.html https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-363/Dextromethorphan-hbr-oral/details
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/Dextromethorphan-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20068661
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.