When we have a cough, many of us are used to going to the pharmacy and asking for a bottle of cough syrup, right? One of the most popular and commonly used medications is Dextromethorphan. You may not have heard of this name, but it is very likely that it is contained in a cough syrup you have used. However, there are many things we need to be careful about when using this medicine. So, let's talk about it in a little more depth today.
What exactly is Dextromethorphan?
Simply put, Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant or cough suppressant . When we cough, it is caused by a signal from a special center in our brain. This is called the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan works by calming down the activity of that center. This reduces the frequent, painful cough. This class of drugs is called cough suppressants.
The most important thing is that this medicine is only suitable for dry coughs without phlegm . If you take this during a productive cough, the mucus in the lungs will stop coming out, and the infection may become more serious.
In Sri Lanka, you can find this medicine under various brand names such as Delsym and Robitussin. Also, it is sometimes combined with other medicines (for example, cold medicines).
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before taking any medication, it is important to inform your doctor about your health condition. If you suffer from any of the following conditions while taking dextromethorphan, you should definitely tell your doctor.
| Do you have this condition? | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Respiratory diseases such as asthma or emphysema | In such conditions, suppressing the cough can increase respiratory distress. |
| Having a cough that produces a lot of mucus | Mucus production is a defense mechanism of the body. Stopping it can lead to infections such as pneumonia. |
| Liver disease | This drug is cleared from the body by the liver. If you have liver disease, the drug may accumulate in the body and increase side effects. |
| If you are a smoker | Smoker's cough has a different cause and should be treated differently. |
| Allergies to dextromethorphan or other medications, foods, or dyes | This is very important to avoid causing an allergic reaction. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to conceive a child | This medicine is not recommended during the first three months of pregnancy. Use only under medical advice in any case. |
| If the baby is breast-fed (Breast-feeding) | Since the medication has the potential to pass to the baby through breast milk, do not use it without consulting your doctor. |
The correct way to use the medicine
To get the most out of this medication and minimize side effects, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Shake well: This is a suspension, meaning the medicine particles are suspended in a liquid. So you need to shake the bottle well before using it. That way, each dose will contain the same amount of medicine.
- Measure accurately: Only use the special spoon, cup, or dropper that comes with the medicine. You can never get an accurate measurement with teaspoons or tablespoons at home. If you do, you may take too much or too little medicine.
- Take it on time: Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it too frequently.
- When giving to children: You should be very careful when giving this medicine to young children. Although sometimes doctors recommend this for children over 2 years of age, it should be given only on the advice of a doctor . Never give this medicine to young children without asking a doctor.
What to do if you take too much medicine (overdose)?
This is very important. If you think you or someone in your household has taken too much of this medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Otherwise, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Some medications can interact with each other when taken together, which can increase side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
| Drugs that should never be taken with Dextromethorphan | |
|---|---|
| MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) | These are a type of medication used to treat conditions such as depression (e.g. Marplan, Nardil). Taking these two together can cause a very dangerous condition called Serotonin Syndrome, which can cause high blood pressure, high fever, and seizures. |
| Other drugs to be used with caution | |
| Other medications for depression and anxiety | Taking these together may increase side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and decreased attention. |
| Other cough, cold, or allergy medications | Many of these medications also contain substances that cause drowsiness. This can double or triple the drowsiness. |
| Procarbazine (an anticancer drug) | There may also be interactions with this medication. |
This list is not complete. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you are using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- Do not take this cough medicine for more than a week without consulting a doctor . If the cough persists, there may be another cause.
- If you have a cough accompanied by a high fever, skin rash, persistent headache, or sore throat , see a doctor immediately.
- This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy . Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine.
- Especially if you are elderly, avoid getting up or sitting down too quickly, as this can cause dizziness and fall.
- Taking this medication with alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Although most people do not experience serious side effects, it is important to be aware of what some people may experience.
| Side effects that should be reported to your medical team immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Dizziness | It is usually mild. |
| Drowsiness | This is a common side effect. |
| Fatigue | Feeling tired in the body. |
Take-Home Message
- Dextromethorphan is a medicine for dry, non-mucusy coughs . It is not suitable for coughs with mucus.
- Always use the special measuring device that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons.
- If you have other medical conditions, such as asthma, liver disease, or if you are taking other medications (especially MAOIs), be sure to tell your doctor.
- Avoid driving and drinking alcohol, as this medicine can make you drowsy.
- If the cough lasts for more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or skin rash, seek medical advice.
- If you take too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre immediately or go to the ETU .
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