Dextromethorphan: Generic, Cold & Flu Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Dosage

These products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and taking them together could cause you to receive an overdose. This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child. It’s important to check with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before combining dextromethorphan with other medications.

For healthcare professionals

It can temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions. Dextromethorphan will reduce a side effects of dextromethorphan cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or promote a speedy recovery. Unneeded medications should be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, children, and others from consuming them.

Adverse Effects

• Dextromethorphan is in a class of medications called antitussives.
• A careful history is necessary to initially distinguish the time of onset as well as later on when more serious effects may occur or when the condition of the patient deteriorates.
• Like most drugs, dextromethorphan may cause mild to serious side effects.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
• But if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
• To learn more about this, see “Overdose” in the “Dextromethorphan dosage” section above.

Dextromethorphan can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods. It’s not known whether dextromethorphan should be taken while breastfeeding.

• You can also take cough drops, as long as they don’t contain potentially risky ingredients like pseudoephedrine, which can increase your risk for certain pregnancy complications.
• Dextromethorphan is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug.
• Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
• Common side effects of dextromethorphan include dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, sedation, nervousness, restlessness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation.
• Dextromethorphan is a generic, over-the-counter (OTC) drug that’s used to help relieve cough in adults and certain children.

Interactions

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following. Dextromethorphan is commonly used to reduce cough caused by common cold or inhaled allergens or that makes it hard for you to fall asleep. Dextromethorphan is available over the counter under many different brand and generic names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Mild side effects

Here’s an in-depth look at dextromethorphan tablets, including their uses, side effects, dosage, precautions, and more. Common side effects of dextromethorphan may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach discomfort. Rare but serious side effects may include allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, and hallucinations. If any adverse reactions occur, medical attention should be sought immediately. Balminil DM (dextromethorphan) is approved by the FDA as a prescription medicine used to treat cough in adults and children over the age of 6. Balminil DM belongs to a class of medications called antitussives, which are used to control coughing.

Dextromethorphan side effects can vary depending on the individual. It’s always best to check with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, even if it’s generally considered safe. It’s important to follow the specific instructions on the medication label or as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Dextromethorphan acts on the cough center in the brain to reduce the urge to cough. Unlike some other cough suppressants, it does not have significant pain-relieving effects, nor does it treat the underlying cause of the cough.

Choosing an OTC Pain Reliever: What to Consider

It’s not known whether dextromethorphan should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking dextromethorphan. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Avoid taking Dextromethorphan with other medications that may cause drowsiness during the day.

You should not take dextromethorphan with combination products that also contain dextromethorphan. To learn more, see “Overdose” in the “Dextromethorphan dosage” section above. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves dextromethorphan to help relieve coughing from a short-term cause.