Dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine

There are many brands and forms of dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine available, and not all brands are mentioned in this leaflet.

Dextromethorphan is used to suppress coughs. Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve stuffiness.

Dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine that helps treat cough, a stuffy nose, and sinus congestion caused by allergies or the common cold.

Dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call 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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Do not use dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Examples of MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to dextromethorphan or pseudoephedrine.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• a cough with mucus;
• a cough caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema;
• heart problems, high blood pressure;
• an enlarged prostate and urination problems;
• diabetes; or
• a thyroid disorder.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Get emergency medical help if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine may cause serious side effects. Stop using dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine and call your doctor right away if you experience:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
• severe dizziness or drowsiness;
• nervousness; or
• trouble sleeping.

Less serious side effects might happen more often, and you might not experience any at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others could occur. For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine is used as needed, you might not have a set dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's nearly time for your next one, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

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

Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine with any other medicines, especially those that may cause drowsiness (like opioid medication, sleep medicine, muscle relaxers, or medications for anxiety or seizures). Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.