How to Use Dextromethorphan

An aggravating part of catching cold or having a sinus infection is the cough that accompanies such illnesses. Coughing can make it difficult to catch a breath, cause irritation to the throat, and make it hard to get the restful sleep needed in order to recover. Dextromethorphan acts as a suppressant to stop or delay the body's automatic response resulting in cough. However, it is important to know when and how the drug can be used effectively.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dextromethorphan Prescribing physician Pharmacist

Getting a Dextromethorphan Prescription

1. Listen carefully to the prescribing physician and the pharmacist filling the prescription. They will give information about possible side effects and warnings of things to look for while taking the medication.

2. Recognize that this medication does not work for every cough such as those associated with bronchitis, COPD, emphysema, or pneumonia. It is also ineffective in treating smoker's cough.

3. Recognize the drug's typical side effects. These could include appetite loss, chills, constipation or diarrhea; light jitters or tremors; mild headache; upset stomach; sleepiness or inability to sleep; and weakness. Such effects are usually mild in nature and should disappear within a few days. If not, they should be reported to a physician.

4. Report any condition that could contraindicate the taking of the drug. These include asthma; bladder or urinary tract blockage; bone marrow conditions; COPD, chronic bronchitis or emphysema; enlarged prostate; epilepsy or other seizure disorder; glaucoma; heart disease or hypertension; intestinal blockage; kidney disease; liver disease; overactive thyroid; sleep disorders; stomach ulcers or blockage; stroke; or tumors of the adrenal gland.

5. Inform the prescribing physician when taking anything that could negate the medication's effectiveness or interact with it. These include, but are not limited to furazolidone, isoniazid, linezolid, MAO inhibitors, phenelzine, promethazine, rasagiline, selegiline, sodium oxybate, tranylcypromine or warfin. Also let him know about any upcoming dental procedures, skin tests, or surgeries since it may be necessary to suspend taking the drug during such procedures.

Taking Dextromethorphan

6. Take the medication only as prescribed on the label with regard to dosage amounts and timing between doses to avoid negating the drug's effectiveness and to prevent overdose.

7. Call the physician if the medication does not work within five days or the symptoms of the illness the medication was meant to treat grow worse or change significantly.

8. Report to a clinic or ER if symptoms like anxiety or depression; blackouts; extreme dizziness; hallucinations; high fever; inability to urinate; irregular heartbeat; seizures; skin rash; swelling of the facial or throat area; trouble breathing; uncontrolled movements in the facial area; vision problems; or vomiting occur. Call the American Association of Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if a suspected overdose has taken place.

9. Take missed doses of the medication as soon as it is remembered unless the timing is closer to the next scheduled dose than the missed one. If that is the case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as prescribed.

10. Store dextromethorphan in a room with a normal temperature between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it away from extreme hot or cold and direct sunlight and store it where children can not easily access the drug.

Tips & Warnings

• Dextromethorphan does not cure a cough or the illness that produces it. The medication comes in liquid, chewable pills, dissolving strips and lozenges. Shake liquids thoroughly before administering them and use the proper type of measuring spoon or cup to dole out the proper dosage. Chewable pills can be either be chewed or swallowed directly. Allow dissolving strips to melt on the tongue. Let lozenges melt in the mouth.
• Avoid taking additional medications that also contain dextromethorphan or other drugs with which it interacts. Avoid abusing this medication by using it in larger doses, more often, or in ways for which it was not intended. It could permanently damage the brain, cause seizures, or result in death. Stay out of the sun and avoid sunlamps and tanning booths while taking this drug since they may cause hypersensitivity to such rays. Woman who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not be good candidates for dextromethorphan because the drug could conceivably have an impact on the fetus or baby. Children under the age of five and the elderly may not be good candidates for the drug since its effects could be intensified in such individuals. Do not drink alcohol or use recreational drugs while taking this medication as they could intensify the effects of the medication in a negative way. Do not take caffeine, diet, or other types of stimulants while taking dextromethorphan or risk exaggerated side effects. Steer clear of taking medications like muscle relaxers, pain killers, and those for depression while taking dextromethorphan since they could result in a negative interaction. Suspend any dangerous activities such as driving, operating power tools, or working with heating elements.

References

• Drugs and Human Performance Facts by the Department of Transportation
• Medline, a Service to the National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health
• Consumer Reports Health Organization

Resources

• Health Square
• Drugs

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.