Dextromethorphan Information
Dextromethorphan, DXM
Dextromethorphan (DXM) tablets.
Each dextrometorphan tablet, brand name Romilar, contains
15 mg. dextrometorphan. Dextromethorphan, DXM, comes in packs of 100
tablets and is manufactured by
Roche.
Common uses and directions for dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is an antitussive, preventing or
relieving coughing.
Dextromethorphan is indicated for the relief of coughs
and upper respiratory symptoms, including nasal congestion, associated
with allergy or the common cold.
The normal dosage for adults is one tablet of 15 mg.
dextormethorphan every 4 hours and for children, 6-12 years old, half a
tablet every four hours as needed. Do not exceed six doses in any 24 hour
period.
For children younger than six, consult a doctor.
The most frequent adverse reactions to dextromethorphan
include sedation, dryness of the mouth, nose and throat, thickening of
bronchial secretions, and dizziness.
Common uses
Dextromethorphan, an antitussive, is used to relieve a
nonproductive cough caused by a cold, the flu, or other conditions.
Dextromethorphan acts centrally to elevate the threshold for coughing. It
has no analgesic or addictive properties. The onset of antitussive action
occurs in 15 to 30 minutes after administration and is of long duration.
Directions
Romilar, dextromethorphan, comes in packs of 100 tablets
containing 15 mg. dextrometorphan, to take by mouth.
Normal adult dose is one tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed, not to
exceed six tablets in 24 hours or as directed by a physician.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within an hour
or so. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Precautions
Dextromethorphan should be used with caution by
individuals with a history of bronchial asthma, narrow angle glaucoma,
gastrointestinal obstruction, or urinary bladder neck obstruction. As an
antihistamine, dextromethorphan has effects with alcohol and other CNS
depressants.
Dextromethorphan may impair the mental and/or physical
abilities needed for certain potentially hazardous activities such as
driving a car or operating machinery.
Dextromethorphan should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. It is not known if dextrometorphan and chlorpheniramine
can cause fetal harm. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Because of the higher risk of intolerance of
antihistamines in small infants generally, and in newborns and prematures
in particular, dextromethorphan should not be used by nursing mothers.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Possible side effects
Although not common, possible side effects of
dextromethorphan include dry mouth, nose, and throat; headache, chest
congestion, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, nervousness,
restlessness, upset stomach, vomiting and stomach pain.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Overdose
If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately.
Additional information
Keep Romilar, dextromethorphan, in a tightly closed
container and out of reach of children. Store dextromethorphan at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Note
The above information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other
healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use
of dextromethorphan is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using dextromethorphan.
Read more about Dextromethorphan
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