What is this medicine?
DEXTROMETHORPHAN; PROMETHAZINE (dex troe meth OR fan; proe METH a zeen) is a cough suppressant and an antihistamine. It is used to treat coughing due to colds or allergies. This medicine will not treat an infection.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
Back to Top
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- changes in vision
- confused, disoriented, excitable
- fast, irregular heartbeat
- fever, sweating
- hallucinations
- high or low blood pressure
- lightheaded
- muscle stiffness
- seizures
- tremors, twitches
- yellow eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- congestion in the nose
- dry mouth
- nausea, vomiting
- stomach upset
- trouble sleeping
Back to Top
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Do not use this medicine in children less than 2 years of age.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
- MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- alcohol or alcohol-containing products
- barbiturate medicines like phenobarbital
- epinephrine
- medicines for depression, anxiety or psychotic disturbances
- medicines for Parkinson's disease
- medicines for sleep
- medicines for the stomach like metoclopramide, dicyclomine, glycopyrrolate
- pain medicines
- radio contrast dyes
- sibutramine
- some medicines for cold or allergies
Back to Top
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor 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 medicine 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 medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine 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.
Back to Top
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
- asthma or other lung disease
- diabetes
- eczema
- seizure disorder
- serious or chronic illness
- sleep apnea
- an unusual or allergic reaction to dextromethorphan, promethazine, phenothiazines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Back to Top
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
Back to Top
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
Back to Top
Drug Info Tools
