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Dextromethorphan Solution

Dextromethorphan solution is a cough suppressant. It helps relieve your cough by calming your cough reflex. Robitussin® is a common brand name. Follow the dosing instructions closely and always use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Household spoons won’t give you an accurate measurement.

What is this medication?

DEXTROMETHORPHAN (dex troe meth OR fan) is used to relieve cough. It works by calming your cough reflex. It belongs to a group of medications called cough suppressants.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cough Suppressant, ElixSure Cough, ElixSure Cough DM, Father John's, Giltuss DM, PediaCare Children's Long Acting Cough, PediaCare Long-Acting Cough, Robitussin, Robitussin Children's Cough, Robitussin Cough, Robitussin Lingering Cold Long-Acting Cough, Robitussin Pediatric Cough, Scot-Tussin CF, Silphen DM, Triaminic Long Acting Cough, Tylenol Children's Simply Cough, Vicks DayQuil Cough, Vicks DayQuil Nature Fusion, Vicks Formula 44, Vicks Nature Fusion Cough, Zicam Concentrated Cough, Zicam Cough Max, Zicam Cough Nite

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Large amount of mucus
  • Liver disease
  • Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
  • Taken an MAOI, such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in the last 14 days
  • Tobacco use
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to dextromethorphan, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the label. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Do not take it more often than directed.

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Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Linezolid
  • Methylene blue
  • Opioids
  • Some medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
  • Some medications for migraines, such as sumatriptan
  • Some other medications for allergy, cough, or cold
  • Supplements, such as St. John's wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you need to use this medication for more than 7 days, talk to your care team.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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