Dextromethorphan
DEXTROMETHORPHAN
Overview:
A medication used to treat a dry cough.Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant
Classification:
Antitussives
Uses:
Dextromethorphan is commonly used to reduce cough caused by common cold or inhaled allergens or that makes it hard for you to fall asleep.
How It Works:
It reduces the urge to cough by slowing the activity in certain areas of the brain.
Dosage
As prescribed by your doctor.
Precautions:
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to dextromethorphan, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the product you plan to take. Check the package label for a list of the ingredients.
Tell your doctor if you are taking the following medications or have stopped taking them within the past two weeks: monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking dextromethorphan. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
Tell your doctor if you smoke, if you have a cough that occurs with a large amount of phlegm (mucus), or if you have or have ever had breathing problems such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dextromethorphan, call your doctor.
If you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent damage to your brain that can cause severe intellectual disability), you should know that some brands of chewable tablets that contain dextromethorphan may be sweetened with aspartame, a source of phenylalanine.
Side Effects:
Mild side effects include:
Nausea
Stomach discomfort
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Rare but serious dextromethorphan risks include:
Serotonin syndrome
Misuse
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
Phenylephrine
PHENYLEPHRINE
Overview
Phenylephrine is a medicine often used to relieve a stuffy or blocked nose. It works by shrinking swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages, helping you breathe more easily. You might find it in many cold, flu, or allergy medications.
Classification
Decongestants
Uses
Relieves nasal congestion due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections
Sometimes used to increase low blood pressure during surgery or in critical care
May be found in eye drops to dilate pupils during eye exams
How It Works
Phenylephrine works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose. This reduces swelling and opens up your airways. When taken for blood pressure support, it tightens blood vessels throughout the body, which helps raise blood pressure.
Dosage
As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects
Some common or possible side effects may include:
Headache
Dizziness
Nervousness or restlessness
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Increased heart rate or blood pressure
In rare cases, serious side effects like irregular heartbeat or chest pain can occur. Always report unusual symptoms to your doctor.
Precautions
Avoid it if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems, or glaucoma, unless your doctor says it’s safe.
Do not use more than the recommended dose – overuse can increase side effects.
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding before using.
If taken with other medications (especially for depression or blood pressure), it could interact negatively.
Not recommended for young children without medical advice.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage
