On this page · 8 sections
- What is dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine?
- How should I take dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine?
- Warnings
- Before taking this medicine
- Dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine side effects
- What happens if I miss a dose?
- What happens if I overdose?
- What other drugs will affect dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine?
Dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine
Generic name: dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine
Brand names: Polytussin-DM, Codimal DM, Codal-DM Syrup, Codituss DM, Viravan-DM, V-Tan DM, Poly Hist DM, Zotex-12, Deconsal DM Tannate, Aldex DM, Viratan-DM, Triplex DM, MyHist-DM, Tannate V DM, Reme Hist DM, Pryil DM, Pyril DM
What is dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine?
Dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine is a combination medicine used to relieve cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.
Dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How should I take dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Follow all directions when giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Warnings
Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:
- asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;
- high blood pressure, heart disease;
- glaucoma;
- urination problems due to an enlarged prostate; or
- a thyroid disorder.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine and call your doctor right away if you have:
- dizziness;
- nervousness; or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
Less serious side effects may happen more often, and you may not experience any at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I miss a dose?
dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine is used as needed. If you miss a dose while on a dosing schedule, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
- Drinking alcohol with dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine can cause side effects.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.
- Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicines that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Let your doctor know about all other medicines you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Related medicines
Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.