It is part of the morphinan class of medications with sedative, dissociative, and stimulant properties. It acts as an antitussive and has antihyperalgesic effects. Dextromethorphan is generally considered safe for children when used as directed.

Precautions

Before you give a dextromethorphan product to a child, check the package label to find out how much medication the child should receive. Ask the child’s doctor if you don’t know how much medication to give the child. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of dextromethorphan. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Mild side effects

• If you develop serious side effects while taking dextromethorphan, call your doctor right away.
• It can be rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and exerts its antitussive effect in about minutes after oral administration.
• Do not take more dextromethorphan than recommended on the product label, as this can lead to harmful effects.
• This will help them determine if dextromethorphan is right for you.
• In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
• Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of dextromethorphan.

Some people misuse dextromethorphan by taking it in amounts higher than the recommended dosage to try to get high or hallucinate. People sometimes also misuse dextromethorphan by combining it with alcohol or other substances. Without prompt medical care, severe cases of serotonin syndrome can lead to death. In extreme cases or if untreated, overdose can lead to coma or death. Also tell them about any herbs, vitamins, and supplements you use.

Serious side effects of dextromethorphan

Don’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you know how your body reacts to dextromethorphan. If you’re concerned about misuse or dependence while taking dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor. Do not give dextromethorphan or any other medications to a pet unless your veterinarian recommends it. The information below is from the instructions on the product labels. Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works.

It should be used with caution in elderly patients and those with certain medical conditions such as hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes. As with all medications, the cost of dextromethorphan oral forms can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as dextromethorphan to treat certain conditions. Misusing dextromethorphan for these effects can cause harmful side effects, such as breathing problems. To learn more about this, see “Overdose” in the “Dextromethorphan dosage” section above.

Brand names of combination products

Also, inform your doctor if you are on medication for high blood pressure or depression. It should not be given to patients on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors because of the risk of serotonin syndrome. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple side effects of dextromethorphan of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

• Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
• Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way that differs from the product label or your doctor’s prescribed instructions.
• Because of these risks, many states have restrictions on OTC dextromethorphan.
• Dextromethorphan is used to temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions.
• Or read the drug’s labeling information for the capsules and the suspension.
• This would be important to know if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Some over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness include antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or doxylamine (Unisom). Prescription medications, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and some antidepressants, can also worsen drowsiness. Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the side effects your child may experience while taking dextromethorphan. While dextromethorphan is not a controlled substance, there’s still a risk of misuse and dependence because of how the drug works in the brain. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way that’s not recommended. With dependence, your body becomes used to a drug and needs it to function as usual.

If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Dextromethorphan belongs to the drug class called antitussives.

Serious Side Effects and Overdose

This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at FDA-1088.