Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide
Introduction To Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide is an antitussive medicine. It is used for the treatment of dry cough. It helps by reducing the activity of the cough center in the brain.
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide can be taken with or without food. Take it whenever necessary or as prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you. Inform your doctor if symptoms do not get improved.
The most common side effects of this medicine include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. Generally, it is advised to drink plenty of fluids while on treatment with this medicine. To overcome dizziness, avoid driving or attention-seeking activities.
Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works.
Uses of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide
- Dry cough
Benefits of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide
Dry cough
A dry cough, also known as non-productive cough, is a cough where no phlegm or
mucus is produced. This is irritating, usually associated with a tickly throat
and may be caused due to cold, flu, allergies or throat irritants. Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide
suppresses dry, hacking coughs. It will help you carry out your daily
activities more easily.
This medicine is safe and effective. Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide usually starts to work within a few minutes and the effects can last up to several hours. Take it as prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop using it unless you are advised to by your doctor.
Side effects of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Topex CS
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea
How to use Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide works
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide is an antitussive (cough suppressants). It suppresses cough by reducing the activity of cough centre in the brain.
Quick tips
- You have been prescribed Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide for the symptomatic relief of dry cough.
- It is usually taken for a short time, until the symptoms clear up.
- Allow the lozenge or disintegrating strip to dissolve in your mouth. Do not chew or swallow.
- Measure the syrup with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon.
- Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.
- It should not be administered to patients with chronic cough or where cough is accompanied by excessive secretions.
- Inform your doctor if your cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash or headache. These could be signs of a serious condition.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide if I’m pregnant?
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide if I’m breastfeeding?
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide?
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide if I have/had kidney diseases?
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
LiverUNSAFE
Can I take Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide if I have/had liver diseases?
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is dextromethorphan a steroid/an opiate/an antihistamine/ a narcotic/an NSAID/a controlled substance/contain alcohol/have codeine?
Dextromethorphan is a decongestant and not a steroid, antihistamine, opiate, NSAID or narcotic, but can have addictive effects if taken at large doses than recommended. It does not contain codeine or alcohol. It is not a controlled substance
Q. Does dextromethorphan work/ how much dextromethorphan can I take for cough?
Dextromethorphan works for most of the patient. It should be taken in amounts exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cough medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended
Q. Is dextromethorphan safe/ does dextromethorphan makes you sleepy/make you tired/ raise blood sugar?
Dextromethorphan causes mild sedation effect thus can make you feel sleepy. It does not raise blood sugar or make you tired. Dextromethorphan is generally safe if taken at recommended doses and duration
Q. Can i take dextromethorphan with high blood pressure/ safe for high blood pressure/ raise blood pressure/ thin blood?
Though it isn't reported, but it should be used carefully in people with high blood pressure, as dextromethorphan may cause high blood pressure and the effectiveness of dextromethorphan is decreased by high blood pressure medications
Q. Can I take dextromethorphan with benzonatate/acetaminophen/codeine/ibuprofen/ diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine/guaifenesin/Tamiflu/Benadryl?
Drug interaction with any of the above mentioned drugs is not documented, but it can occur. Always follow your doctor's advice before taking any medicine with dextromethorphan.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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