Function
1. Dextromethorphan is used to treat a dry (nonproductive) cough caused by colds, flu or inhaled irritants. 2. The primary use of dextromethorphan is as an antitussive, or cough suppressant. This is one of the most popular ingredients in over-the-counter cold and cough medications. 3. Dextromethorphan may be added to other preparations to help treat pain and a variety of other disturbances as well. 4.The primary use of dextromethorphen is as an antitussive, or cough suppressant. This is one of the most popular ingredients in over-the-counter cold and cough medications. This medication may be added to other preparations to help treat pain and a variety of other disturbances as well.
Application
Cough suppression
The primary use of dextromethorphan is as a cough suppressant, for the temporary relief of cough caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation (such as commonly accompanies the flu and common cold), as well as those resulting from inhaled particle irritants.
Pseudobulbar affect and other neuropsychiatric disorders
In 2010, the approved the combination product dextromethorphan/quinidine for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (emotional lability). The combination is also under investigation for the treatment of a variety of other neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions, such as agitation associated with Alzheimer's disease andmajor depressive disorder.Dextromethorphan is the actual therapeutic agent in the combination; quinidinemerely serves to inhibit the enzymatic degradation of dextromethorphan and thereby increase its circulating concentrations via inhibition of CYP2D6.
How should this medicine be used?
Dextromethorphan comes as a liquid-filled , a chewable a dissolving strip, a solution (liquid), an extended-release (long-acting) suspension (liquid), and a lozenge to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 4 to 12 hours as needed. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Dextromethorphan should only be used according to the label or package directions. Do not take more than the recommended amount of dextromethorphan in a 24-hour period. Refer to the package or prescription label to determine the amount contained in each dose.Taking dextromethorphan in large amounts can cause serious side effects or death. Dextromethorphan comes alone and in combination with antihistamines, cough suppressants, and decongestants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which product is best for your symptoms. Check nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before using 2 or more products at the same time. These products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and taking them together could cause you to receive an overdose. This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child. Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including products that contain dextromethorphan, can cause serious side effects or death in young children. Do not give these products to children younger than 4 years of age. If you give these products to children 4-11 years of age, use caution and follow the package directions carefully.