DayQuil Cough

There are many brands and forms of dextromethorphan available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Cough medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child of any age. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cough medicine within the past few days.

Store dextromethorphan at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Since cough medicine is usually taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

• The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Dextromethorphan is used to treat a cough.

Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Dextromethorphan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use dextromethorphan if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using this medicine if you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

It is not known whether dextromethorphan will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

This medication may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially sweetened liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Since cough medicine is usually taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Applies to dextromethorphan: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral disintegrating strip, oral drops, oral liquid, oral lozenge, oral solution, oral suspension extended release, oral syrup, oral tablet chewable

General

Adverse effects have included gastrointestinal disturbances such as stomach upset and diarrhea.[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Drowsiness, dizziness, convulsions[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disturbance[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Rare (less than 0.1%): Fixed-drug eruptions[Ref]

Psychiatric

Cases of abuse have been reported.[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Mental confusion, excitation, insomnia, abuse[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Rash, angioedema, pruritus, urticaria[Ref]

Some side effects of Vicks Dayquil Cough may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.