dextromethorphan hydrobromide at a glance
Class
Centrally acting cough suppressant.
Licensed use
Relief of a dry, unproductive cough.
Age
The selected product must not be used in children under 12 years.
Administration
An oral syrup. Do not combine it with another cough or cold remedy.
Driving
It may impair alertness or thinking. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
What is dextromethorphan hydrobromide used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Relief of a dry, irritating or otherwise unproductive cough.
How does dextromethorphan hydrobromide work?
It raises the threshold at which the cough centre in the brain triggers coughing. Its active metabolite, dextrorphan, contributes through sigma-receptor activity and affects serotonin signalling.
dextromethorphan hydrobromide preparations and strengths
Syrup
Route: Oral
Strengths: 7.5 mg/5 mL
How to take dextromethorphan hydrobromide
Take the syrup by mouth according to the supplied instructions. Avoid alcohol and do not use it with another cough or cold remedy. Food-specific instructions are not stated for the selected product.
Use an appropriate measuring device for liquid medicines.
Check combination remedies to avoid duplicating dextromethorphan or other cough ingredients.
Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy, dizzy or cognitively impaired.
dextromethorphan hydrobromide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported effects of unknown frequency include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, difficulty sleeping, agitation and confusion.
- Rash, itching or hives may occur.
- Repeated or prolonged use can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, especially with difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Seizure, marked drowsiness or shallow breathing.
- Serotonin syndrome, with symptoms such as agitation, confusion, fever, muscle rigidity, exaggerated reflexes, poor coordination or cardiovascular instability.
dextromethorphan hydrobromide in pregnancy
Adequate controlled pregnancy studies are unavailable. The selected product should only be considered when a qualified healthcare professional judges that the expected benefit outweighs possible fetal risk. Ask a pharmacist, midwife or doctor before use.
dextromethorphan hydrobromide while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether dextromethorphan or its metabolites enter breast milk. The selected product should only be considered if a healthcare professional judges that the maternal benefit outweighs possible risk to the nursing infant.
dextromethorphan hydrobromide interactions
Check all prescription, pharmacy and recreational substances before use because some combinations can cause serious toxicity.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Contraindicated during treatment and for 14 days after stopping because of serotonin syndrome, hypertension and potentially severe neurological reactions.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Contraindicated with the selected product because serotonin syndrome may occur. Fluoxetine and paroxetine can also markedly increase dextromethorphan exposure.
Potent CYP2D6 inhibitors
Quinidine, terbinafine, bupropion, cinacalcet and some antiarrhythmics or antipsychotics can increase and prolong its effects and toxicity.
Common questions about dextromethorphan hydrobromide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is it for a dry or chesty cough?
It is licensed for a dry, unproductive cough. A cough producing substantial phlegm should be assessed rather than routinely suppressed.
Can children take it?
The selected product must not be used in children under 12 years. Age restrictions can differ between products, so check the specific packaging.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.