| Pronunciation |
 (deks
troe meth OR
fan) |
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| U.S. Brand Names |
| Benylin DM®[OTC]; Benylin® Pediatric [OTC]; Children's Hold®[OTC]; Creo-Terpin®[OTC]; Delsym®[OTC]; Drixoral® Cough Liquid Caps [OTC]; Hold® DM [OTC]; Pertussin® CS [OTC]; Pertussin® ES [OTC]; Robitussin® Cough Calmers [OTC]; Robitussin® Pediatric [OTC]; Scot-Tussin DM® Cough Chasers [OTC]; Silphen DM®[OTC]; St. Joseph® Cough Suppressant [OTC]; Sucrets® Cough Calmers [OTC]; Suppress®[OTC]; Trocal®[OTC]; Vicks Formula 44®[OTC]; Vicks Formula 44® Pediatric Formula [OTC] |
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| Generic Available |
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Yes |
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| Pharmacological Index |
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Antitussive |
|
| Use |
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Symptomatic relief of coughs caused by minor viral upper respiratory tract infections or inhaled irritants; most effective for a chronic nonproductive cough |
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| Pregnancy Risk Factor |
|
C |
|
| Contraindications |
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Hypersensitivity to dextromethorphan or any component |
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| Warnings/Precautions |
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Research on chicken embryos exposed to concentrations of dextromethorphan relative to those typically taken by humans has shown to cause birth defects and fetal death; more study is needed, but it is suggested that pregnant women should be advised not to use dextromethorphan-containing medications |
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| Adverse Reactions |
|
<1%: Gastrointestinal: Nausea, GI upset, constipation, abdominal discomfort |
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| Drug Interactions |
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CYP2D6, 2E1, 3A3/4 enzyme substrate |
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| Mechanism of Action |
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Chemical relative of morphine lacking narcotic properties except in overdose; controls cough by depressing the medullary cough center |
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| Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics |
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Onset of antitussive action: Within 15-30 minutes Duration: Up to 6 hours |
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| Usual Dosage |
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Oral: <2 years: Use only as directed by a physician 2-6 years (syrup): 2.5-7.5 mg every 4-8 hours; extended release is 15 mg twice daily (maximum: 30 mg/24 hours) 6-12 years: 5-10 mg every 4 hours or 15 mg every 6-8 hours; extended release is 30 mg twice daily (maximum: 60 mg/24 hours) Children >12 years and Adults: 10-20 mg every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6-8 hours; extended release: 60 mg twice daily; maximum: 120 mg/day |
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| Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status |
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May cause drowsiness or depression |
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| Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment |
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Use with MAOIs may cause hypertensive crisis; avoid combination |
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| Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions |
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No information available to require special precautions |
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| Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment |
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No effects or complications reported |
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| Patient Information |
|
Shake well; do not exceed recommended dosage; take with a large glass of water; if cough lasts more than 1 week or is accompanied by a rash, fever, or headache, notify physician |
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| Nursing Implications |
|
Raise side rails, institute safety measures |
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| Dosage Forms |
|
Capsule (Drixoral® Cough Liquid Caps): 30 mg Liquid: Creo-Terpin®: 10 mg/15 mL (120 mL) Pertussin® CS: 3.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL) Robitussin® Pediatric, St. Joseph® Cough Suppressant: 7.5 mg/5 mL (60 mL, 120 mL, 240 mL) Pertussin® ES, Vicks Formula 44®: 15 mg/5 mL (120 mL, 240 mL) Liquid, sustained release, as polistirex (Delsym®): 30 mg/5 mL (89 mL) Lozenges: Scot-Tussin DM® Cough Chasers: 2.5 mg Children's Hold®, Hold® DM, Robitussin® Cough Calmers, Sucrets® Cough Calmers: 5 mg Suppress®, Trocal®: 7.5 mg Syrup: Benylin® Pediatric: 7.5 mg/mL (118 mL) Benylin DM®, Silphen DM®: 10 mg/5 mL (120 mL, 3780 mL) Vicks Formula 44® Pediatric Formula: 15 mg/15 mL (120 mL) |
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