Dextromethorphan; Promethazine oral solution

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.

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.

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

• changes in vision

• confusion

• fever, chills, sore throat

• restlessness

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.

• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• trouble swallowing

• uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, head, mouth, neck, or upper body

• unusual bruising or bleeding

• unusually weak or tired

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

• drowsiness

• dizziness

• dry mouth

• nausea

• upset stomach

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

• antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold

• atropine

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• epinephrine

• general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol

• ipratropium

• medicines for depression, anxiety or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• metoclopramide

• narcotic medicines for pain

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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:

• 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's disease

• prostate disease

• seizures

• stomach or intestine problems

• trouble passing urine

• an unusual or allergic reaction to promethazine, dextromethorphan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

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.