Dextromethorphan

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Dextromethorphan falls into category C:

In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans, though. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

OR

There are no well-controlled studies that have been done in pregnant women. Dextromethorphan should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby.

OR

No studies have been done in animals, and no well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women. Dextromethorphan should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Dextromethorphan is available in the following forms:

• Disintegrating Tablet
• Extended Release Capsule
• Extended Release Suspension
• Extended Release Tablet
• Granules
• Lozenge
• Mucosal Spray
• Oral Capsule
• Oral Solution
• Oral Spray
• Oral Strip
• Oral Suspension
• Oral Tablet
• Prefilled Applicator

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.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking dextromethorphan with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Blurred vision
• confusion
• difficulty in urination
• drowsiness or dizziness
• nausea or vomiting (severe)
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• slowed breathing
• unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability (severe)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Confusion
• constipation
• dizziness (mild)
• drowsiness (mild)
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Cough (suppressant): Temporary control of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold or inhaled irritants; temporary relief of cough impulse to improve sleep (extended release formulations)

Concurrent administration with or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAO inhibitor

False-positive phencyclidine, opioids and heroin urine drug screen

Frequency not defined.

Central nervous system: Confusion, excitement, irritability, nervousness, serotonin syndrome

Consult your pharmacist.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.