Dextromethorphan; Promethazine Solution

What is this medication?

DEXTROMETHORPHAN; PROMETHAZINE (dex troe meth OR fan; proe METH a zeen) treats the symptoms of the common cold, allergies, or flu. It works by reducing cough, a runny or stuffy nose, and red, itchy eyes. It is a combination of a cough suppressant and an antihistamine.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Phen Tuss DM

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

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Blockage in your bowel
• Diabetes
• Eczema
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• Lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• Parkinson disease
• Prostate disease
• Seizures
• Stomach or intestine problems
• Trouble passing urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to promethazine, dextromethorphan, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medication. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. Do not use this medication in children less than 2 years of age.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

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?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol or alcohol-containing products
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Atropine
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
• Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
• Certain medications for Parkinson disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
• Certain medications for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
• Certain medications for travel sickness like scopolamine
• Epinephrine
• General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
• Ipratropium
• Medications for depression, anxiety or psychotic disturbances
• Medications for high blood pressure
• Medications for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• Metoclopramide
• Narcotic medications for pain

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?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

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
• CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
• High fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion, which may be signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Trouble passing urine
• Uncontrolled and repetitive body movements, muscle stiffness or spasms, tremors or shaking, loss of balance or coordination, restlessness, shuffling walk, which may be signs of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)

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

• Confusion
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• 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). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

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.