Dextromethorphan - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Dextromethorphan is a medicine to relieve dry cough. This drug is available in the form of tablets, syrup, and lozenges

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. This drug works by inhibiting the response or cough reflex in the brain. Please note that this medicine is not effective for coughing up phlegm or coughs caused by chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, or smoking.

Dextromethorphan trademark: Activated Plus Cough Supressant, Alpara, Antiza, Brochifar Plus, Decolsin, Konidin, Komix, Lacoldin, Mixagrip Flu & Cough, OB Combi Cough Cold, Panadol Cold & Flu, Sanaflu Plus Cough, Ultraflu Extra, Vicks Formula 44, Woods Peppermint Antitussive

What is Dextromethorphan

Class	OTC drugs
Categories	Dry cough medicine or antitussive
Benefits	Relieves dry cough
Consumed by	Adults and children over 4 years old
Dextromethorphan for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether dextromethorphan is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Medicine form	Tablets, syrup, lozenges.

Warning Before Taking Dextromethorphan

Before taking this medicine, you need to pay attention to the following things:

• Do not take dextromethorphan if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have any respiratory problems, such as asthma, cough with phlegm, a respiratory infection, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis
• Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking MAOI drugs, such as phenelzine. Dextromethorphan should not be taken with this drug.
• Do not give dextromethorphan to children under 4 years of age. Always consult a doctor before giving cough and cold medicines that contain dextromethorphan to children.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking dextromethorphan, as this drug can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking dextromethorphan.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Dextromethorphan

The dose of dextromethorphan is not the same for each drug dosage form. In general, below is the division of the dose of dextromethorphan for cough relief based on the form of the drug:

Syrup form

• Adults: 30 mg, every 6–8 hours.
• Children aged 6–12 years: 15 mg, every 6–8 hours. Dosage should not be more than 60 mg per day.
• Children ages 4–6 years: 7.5 mg, every 6–8 hours. Dosage should not be more than 20 mg per day.

tablet form

• Adults: 60 mg, every 12 hours. Dosage should not be more than 120 mg per day.
• Children aged 6–12 years: 30 mg, every 12 hours. Dosage should not be more than 60 mg per day.
• Children ages 4–6 years: 15 mg, every 12 hours. Dosage should not be more than 20 mg per day.

The shape of lozenges

• Adult: 5–15 mg, every 2–4 hours. Dosage should not be more than 120 mg per day.
• Children aged 6–12 years: 5–10 mg, every 2–6 hours. Dosage should not be more than 60 mg per day.

How to Take Dextromethorphan Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the drug packaging before taking dextromethorphan. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Dextromethorphan can be taken before or after meals, every 4-12 hours. Try to take dextromethorphan at the same time every day for maximum treatment.

To take dextromethorphan, you should use the spoon or measuring cup provided in the package. Do not use a regular tablespoon, because the dose may not be as prescribed.

For patients who forget to take dextromethorphan, it is recommended to take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. When it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Consult your doctor if your symptoms persist after taking dextromethorphan for 7 days.

Store dextromethorphan at room temperature, and keep away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Dextromethorphan with Other Drugs

The following are some drug interactions that can occur when dextromethorphan is used together with other drugs:

• Increased risk of serotonin syndrome if used with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) drugs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
• Increased risk of drug poisoning when used with paroxetine, quinidine, terbinafine, or fluoxetine
• Increased risk of side effects on the nervous system, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating when used with antihistamines, or central nervous system depressants (CNS) drugs

Side Effects and Dangers of Dextromethorphan

There are several side effects that can occur after taking dextromethorphan, namely:

• Dizzy
• Shaking
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sleepy
• stomach ache
• Unusual restlessness, nervousness, or tiredness
• Hallucinations

Consult a doctor if these side effects do not subside or are getting worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction which can be characterized by symptoms such as a swollen rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips or eyelids, after taking dextromethorphan.