Father John's Medicine

Father John's Medicine is a cough suppressant used to relieve cough from the common cold or flu.

Father John's Medicine will not treat a cough caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

There are many brands and forms of dextromethorphan available. Not all brands are included in this leaflet.

Father John's Medicine may also be used for 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.

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, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell your surgeon or doctor ahead of time that you have taken Father John's Medicine in the past few days.

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

Do not use Father John's Medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Do not use Father John's Medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. A serious drug interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use Father John's Medicine if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe for you if you have any medical conditions.

Father John's Medicine should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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

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

Stop using Father John's Medicine and call your doctor right away if you experience:

• severe nervousness, confusion;
• severe dizziness or drowsiness;
• blurred vision; or
• painful or difficult urination.

Common side effects of Father John's Medicine may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• dizziness;
• tingling; or
• feeling restless.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since cough or cold medicine is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's almost time for your next dose, 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 understand how Father John's Medicine will affect you. Your reactions might be affected.

Drinking alcohol can make some side effects of this medicine worse.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using over-the-counter medicines that may have ingredients similar to Father John's Medicine.

Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (like opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.