Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) belongs to a group of medications called antitussives (cough suppressants). Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) works by suppressing dry, hacking coughs. It is usually used for a short term to control coughing associated with the flu, a cold, or due to inhaled irritants.

Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or pharmacist or are not sure why you are taking Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan), speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

For adults, the recommended dose of Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) is 10 mg to 20 mg taken by mouth every 4 hours, or 30 mg taken by mouth every 6 to 8 hours. The maximum daily dose for adults is 120 mg.

For children 6 to 11 years of age, the recommended dose is 5 mg to 10 mg taken by mouth every 4 hours or 15 mg taken by mouth every 6 to 8 hours. The maximum daily dose for children is 60 mg.

Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) is not recommended for children under the age of 6 years.

Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

There are several different strengths of Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) products available. Make sure you read the label and ask your doctor or pharmacist how much and how often you should take it. It is important that Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) be taken exactly as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist, or as indicated on the product label.

Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) is often taken on an “as needed” basis, however if your doctor has suggested you take Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• confusion
• Constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• nausea
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blurred vision
• excitement
• irritability
• nervousness

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of an allergic reaction (Hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat)
• slowed or decreased breathing

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan).

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Do not take Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) if you:

• are allergic to Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• are taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., , Moclobemide, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine) or have taken them in the previous 2 weeks
• have respiratory Depression (breathing rate below normal)

Do not give this medication to children less than 6 years old.

There may be an interaction between Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) and any of the following:

• Abiraterone acetate
• Amiodarone
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• asunaprevir
• Bromocriptine
• Bupropion
• Buspirone
• Celecoxib
• chloroquine
• Cimetidine
• Cinacalcet
• Clobazam
• Cobicistat
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Darifenacin
• delavirdine
• Diphenhydramine
• Dronedarone
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, tipranavir)
• imatinib
• isoniazid
• ketoconazole
• Linezolid
• lithium
• Memantine
• Meperidine
• Methadone
• Metoclopramide
• Mirabegron
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., moclobemide, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• Nilotinib
• peginterferon alfa-2b
• quinidine
• quinine
• St. John's wort
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• Tapentadol
• terbinafine
• Ticlopidine
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Imipramine)
• "triptan" migraine medications (e.g., Almotriptan, Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan)
• Tryptophan

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan).

HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
March 24, 2016
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

Accidental overdose: If you take more than the recommended amount of Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan), contact your doctor or a local poison control centre immediately.

Medical conditions: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about using this product if you have serious kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, heart or Thyroid disease, Diabetes, Asthma, chronic lung disease or shortness of breath, persistent or chronic cough, Glaucoma, difficulty urinating due to enlargement of prostate gland, chronic Alcoholism, or any other medical condition or are taking medications for depression.

Persistent symptoms: If your cough gets worse, lasts more than 7 days, or tends to recur, or if you are coughing up phlegm or mucus or have a Fever for more than 3 days, talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy: Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan).

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan) should not be used by children under 6 years of age.

Seniors: If you are a senior, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Dry Cough (Dextromethorphan).