Uses

Indicated for temporary relief of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold or inhaled irritants. Acts centrally to suppress the cough reflex.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in patients currently taking or within 2 weeks of stopping MAOI therapy. Avoid in patients with chronic cough from asthma, emphysema, or excessive secretions. Do not use with other dextromethorphan-containing products.

Side effects

May cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting at therapeutic doses. At high doses, dextromethorphan may produce dissociative effects and hallucinations. Nervousness and excitability have been reported.

Warnings

Do not exceed recommended dose. Abuse potential exists at supratherapeutic doses. Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment as metabolism may be impaired. Store at 20–25°C and do not refrigerate.

How it works

Dextromethorphan is a sigma-1 receptor agonist and NMDA receptor antagonist that acts on the cough center in the medulla oblongata to suppress the cough reflex. It is the d-isomer of levorphanol and is devoid of analgesic activity at therapeutic doses. It is metabolized hepatically via CYP2D6.

Storage

Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Do not refrigerate.