Prescription Required
Dextromethorphan is a prescription medicine. Cough are some of its major therapeutic uses. Dextromethorphan also has some secondary and off-label uses. These are listed below.
The right dosage of Dextromethorphan depends on the age, gender, and medical history of the patient. The condition it has been prescribed for, and the route of administration also determine the right dosage. This information has been provided in detail in the dosage section.
Besides the aforementioned side effects, there are other adverse effects of Dextromethorphan as well, which are listed below. Usually, these side effects of Dextromethorphan go away soon, and do not persist beyond the duration of the treatment. Please speak with your doctor if these side effects worsen or persist for a longer duration.
In addition, Dextromethorphan's effect is Severe during pregnancy and Severe for lactating mothers. Further, the section on Dextromethorphan related warnings talks about Dextromethorphan's effects on the liver, heart and kidney.
The section on Dextromethorphan contraindications lists all such conditions.
Additionally, Dextromethorphan may also adversely react with other medicines. Refer to the list below for further details.
You should also be aware that Dextromethorphan is not safe while driving, and is not addiction.
Dextromethorphan is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
Age Group | Dosage |
Adult |
|
Geriatric |
|
13 - 18 years (Adolescent) |
|
2 - 12 years (Child) |
|
Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Dextromethorphan is used -
Severe
Moderate
Mild
Is the use of Dextromethorphan safe for pregnant women?
Dextromethorphan has many dangerous side effects in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, do not consume Dextromethorphan without medical advice.
Is the use of Dextromethorphan safe during breastfeeding?
Dextromethorphan may cause serious side effects in breastfeeding women, so do not take this drug without doctor's advice.
What is the effect of Dextromethorphan on the Kidneys?
Dextromethorphan can have moderate side effects on the kidney. If you notice any harmful effects, stop taking this drug right away. Consult your doctor before using this medicine again.
What is the effect of Dextromethorphan on the Liver?
Dextromethorphan is rarely harmful for the liver.
What is the effect of Dextromethorphan on the Heart?
Dextromethorphan is rarely harmful for the heart.
Dextromethorphan should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Severe
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Dextromethorphan unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Dextromethorphan habit forming or addictive?
Dextromethorphan can be addictive. You should not take it without medical advice.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
You may feel sleepy or tired after taking Dextromethorphan. So it is best to avoid driving.
Is it safe?
Dextromethorphan should be used only after doctor's advice.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
No, Dextromethorphan cannot treat any kind of mental disorder.
Interaction between Food and Dextromethorphan
Information is not available on the interaction of any foods with Dextromethorphan, due to a lack of research on this.
Interaction between Alcohol and Dextromethorphan
Consumption of alcohol and Dextromethorphan together may have severe effects on your health.
No, Dextromethorphan is not a steroid. It is related to codeine and is a non-opioid derivative of morphine. It is an antitussive which is used for managing the dry cough.
Dextromethorphan is related to codeine and is a non-opioid derivative of morphine. From gastrointestinal tract it passes into the bloodstream, crosses the blood-brain barrier and suppresses the cough center, bringing relief to the patient.
Dextromethorphan is the brand name for dextromethorphan. It belongs to the category of medication known as antitussives. It is available in the form of a tablet, lozenge, and syrup. Dextromethorphan is used for the treatment of a cough caused by throat and bronchial irritation like the common cold and inhaled irritants. It is highly effective against a chronic and non-productive cough.
Yes, Dextromethorphan may cause drowsiness as it is one of the side-effects. It is, therefore, recommended that one doesn't operate machinery or drive under the influence of the drug.
Yes, rarely, Dextromethorphan may cause an allergic reaction with symptoms like difficulty in breathing, itching, swelling on lips and mouth, etc. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
This medicine data has been created by -
B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience
References
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 422-423
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 220