What is dextromethorphan? Cases and complications of use

There are various syrups and medicines in the market that are used to reduce and treat people or relieve specific symptoms of the disease. One of these drugs is called dextromethorphan, which is used as a prescription drug to control coughs and colds. This drug is a suitable chemical compound that acts as an inhibitor of the effects of cough on the body’s central nervous system. In the rest of the article, we will examine the medicinal forms, amount and uses in adults and children, precautions, contraindications and side effects of this product.

Pharmaceutical forms of dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan drug in pharmaceutical forms including 15 mg tablets, 15 mg capsules, 7.5 mg/5 ml gel, 7.5 to 15 mg oral solution, 5 to 20 mg oral syrup, lozenge 5, 7.5 and 15 mg and 7.5 mg oral tablet are available in the market. Different forms of this medicine are used for different ages and of course different diseases. Your doctor determines the dosage form of this medicine according to your age and medical records.

Uses of dextromethorphan syrup

Many chemical and herbal medicines are produced in pharmacies to control and suppress cough without sputum. Your doctor should prescribe the best medicine for you according to the type of disease you are dealing with. Dextromethorphan syrup is used to control coughs without phlegm caused by colds and simple sore throats. These uses are determined by the pharmacist on the cover of the medicine, but according to the type of your disease, the doctor can also prescribe this medicine to control cough in other diseases.

Uses of dextromethorphan tablets or syrup in adults

1. Reduction of cough without sputum
2. Help reduce sore throat
3. Cold control

Use of dextromethorphan tablets or syrup in children

1. Cough control without sputum
2. Help control colds

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of dextromethorphan

The mechanism of action of dextromethorphan acts on the cough center in the medulla. It reduces the sensitivity of cough receptors and interrupts the transmission of the cough impulse. The absorption of this product starts from 15 to 30 minutes with a peak duration of 2 to 3 hours. Metabolism of this product is by liver enzyme P450 CYP2D6 and its excretion is done through urine. Pharmacogenomics is also based on CYP2D6, and according to research, approximately 7-10% of Caucasians and 3-8% of African Americans lack the capacity to metabolize CYP2D6 substrates and are classified as poor metabolizers.

Dosage of dextromethorphan tablets

The main use of this medicine in adults is to reduce coughs related to colds. The dosage of this product is very different in its medicinal forms. The dosage of dextromethorphan liquid or syrup is 10 to 20 mg per dose, gel 30 mg per dose, regular tablets 5 to 15 mg, and oral strips 30 mg per dose. Note that this dosage is for the general public and it is always best to consult a doctor. It should be noted that this dosage is for adults, and we will discuss the dosage and timing of this medicine in children.

Time to use dextromethorphan syrup

The dose and time of dextromethorphan should be determined according to the type of illness and cough of the person. When visiting the doctor, he can increase the dosage of this syrup up to 30 mg per dose by observing the condition of your disease and your throat so that your sore throat gets better. Also, if needed, the tablet of this product can be increased to 5 to 15 mg up to 6 times a day, although its total amount should not exceed 120 mg.

Amount and time of dextromethorphan intake in adults

1. The tablets of this product are prescribed for general use at 5-15 mg every 4 hours, and the total amount per day should not exceed 120 mg.
2. The gel of this product is prescribed for general use at 30 mg every 6 to 8 hours a day, and its total amount should not exceed 120 mg a day.
3. For long-term release of this drug, 60 mg every 12 hours is recommended, which should not exceed 120 mg per day.
4. Its syrup is also prescribed 10 to 20 mg every 4 hours depending on the patient’s condition.
5. The oral strip of this drug is 30 mg every 6 to 8 hours.

The amount of general consumption of dextromethorphan (dextromethorphan) in children

1. Children 4 to 6 years 15 mg PO twice a day, not to exceed 30 mg a day.
2. Children from 6 to 12 years old, 30 mg PO twice a day, whose total daily intake should not exceed 60 mg.
3. Children 12 years old and older should also take 60 mg every 12 hours, which should not exceed 120 mg per day.

Dosage of dextromethorphan syrup in children

1. In children 4 to 6 years old, 5 mg every 6 to 8 hours (up to 30 mg per day).
2. In children from 6 to 12 years old, 15 mg every 6 to 8 hours, which should not exceed 60 mg per day.
3. In children over 12 years old, 10-20 mg every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6-8 hours is recommended, which should not exceed 120 mg per day.

Use of dextromethorphan oral gel and pastille in children

1. The gel of this medicine should be used in children over 12 years of age at the rate of 30 mg every 6-8 hours a day.
2. Pastilles of this medicine are prescribed for children 6 to 12 years old, 5 to 10 mg every 4 hours.
3. Children over 12 years old also take 5-15 mg every 4 hours, which should not exceed 120 mg per day.

Precautions

People who intend to use and consume this medicine without a prescription should pay attention to the contraindications and precautions on the product packaging. This product is prohibited for children under 4 to 6 years of age, for these children this medicine should be used only with the doctor’s order. It should be noted, for children under 6 years of age, there are better similar drugs without side effects that you can benefit from by visiting a doctor. In the following, we will discuss some precautions of dextromethorphan syrup or tablets.

1. Avoid consuming alcohol or any psychoactive substances while taking this medicine.
2. Tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery.
3. This medicine can make you sleepy and confused, adjust your schedule according to these side effects and avoid driving at this time.

Contraindications for dextromethorphan syrup

Do not use this medicine for a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if it is accompanied by excessive phlegm, unless directed by your doctor. Because it may reduce the breathing rate and cause complications and serious risks for the patient. Contraindications for dextromethorphan are related to concomitant non-selective MAO inhibitors such as serotonin syndrome. Some people may experience hallucinations, confusion, restlessness, hyperreflexia, tremors, myoclonus, and tachycardia after consumption. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects occur.

Side effects of dextromethorphan tablets

Most of the manufactured drugs available in the country’s pharmacies cause side effects in some people after consumption. Patients may have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, headache, vomiting, sedation, etc. after taking dextromethorphan. If any of these side effects persist or worsen after stopping the medication, be sure to inform your doctor. So far, no serious side effects of this drug have been reported, however, some of the side effects of dextromethorphan include the following.

• Nausea and vomiting
• constipation
• Drowsiness and dizziness
• soothing
• confusion
• being nervous

Drug interactions of dextromethorphan tablets

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. Dear patients, before going to the doctor, make sure to prepare a list of your medications and medical records and show it to the doctor when you go to the doctor. Disulfiram drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, methotrexamine, specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (strong CYP2D6 inhibitors), serotonergic drugs (high risk) and… may interact with dextromethorphan.

Dextromethorphan consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Information and reports on the performance of this drug on breast milk have not yet been confirmed. But it is always better to use dextromethorphan medicine with the doctor’s prescription and to use different medicines carefully during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Animal studies do not show any danger, and no specific human trials have been conducted in relation to the use of this drug. If the benefits of this drug outweigh the risk of side effects, the doctor can prescribe it to pregnant women. So it can be used in life-threatening emergencies and when no safer medicine is available.

Dextromethorphan storage conditions

Keep different medicines, such as syrups, tablets, gels, etc., out of the reach of children and animals. Dextromethorphan syrup should be stored at room temperature and away from sunlight and heat. Dispose of this medicine properly when you no longer need it or when the expiration date has passed. Do not pour this tablet or syrup of this product into the street, toilet and sewer.

A final word about dextromethorphan tablets

At the end of this article, dextromethorphan syrup as an important and widely used drug in cough control was analyzed from the online pharmacy magazine Positive Green. This chemical compound, with inhibitory effects on the central nervous system, helps relieve cough symptoms and reduce the irritability of the nerve pathways related to cough. You can take this medicine without side effects according to the precautions and contraindications. Pregnant women or nursing mothers should consult their doctor before use to avoid side effects and other problems.

Source: site Medscape

Frequently asked questions about dextromethorphan tablets