Dextromethorphan and promethazine Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Dextromethorphan and promethazine

Generic name: dextromethorphan and promethazine [ dex-troe-me-THOR-fan-and-pro-METH-a-zeen ]
Brand names: Promethazine DM, Phenergan with Dextromethorphan, Promethazine with DM, Promethazine with Dextromethorphan
Dosage form: oral syrup (15 mg-6.25 mg/5 mL)
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 1, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is dextromethorphan and promethazine?

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Promethazine is an antihistamine.

Dextromethorphan and promethazine is a combination medicine used to treat cough, stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing caused by colds or allergies.

dextromethorphan and promethazine is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Dextromethorphan and promethazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Promethazine can slow the breathing, which has caused death in very young children. Do not use this medicine in a child younger than 2 years old. Follow all directions when giving the medicine to a child 2 years or older.

Do not use dextromethorphan and promethazine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use dextromethorphan and promethazine if you are allergic to dextromethorphan or promethazine, or if you have:

- asthma or other breathing problems; or

- an allergy to medicines similar to promethazine (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, and others).

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;

- a seizure;

- eczema;

- bone marrow depression;

- glaucoma;

- a stomach ulcer;

- blockage in your stomach or intestines;

- a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

- an enlarged prostate;

- liver disease;

- heart problems; or

- if you are on bed rest or otherwise debilitated.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Taking this medicine during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy may increase the risk of bleeding in the newborn baby.

Ask a doctor before giving this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old.

## Related/similar drugs

prednisone, fluticasone nasal, montelukast, loratadine, benzonatate, promethazine, Benadryl

## How should I take dextromethorphan and promethazine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use this medicine in a child younger than 2 years old, and carefully follow all dosing directions about use in a child 2 years or older. Promethazine can slow the breathing, which has caused death in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests, and may cause false results on a pregnancy test. Tell the doctor or laboratory staff if you have taken dextromethorphan and promethazine in the past few days.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Detailed Dextromethorphan / promethazine dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Dextromethorphan and promethazine is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include overactive reflexes, feeling restless or confused, slow breathing, dilated pupils, or fainting.

## What should I avoid while taking dextromethorphan and promethazine?

Avoid driving, riding a bike, or any other hazardous activity until you know how dextromethorphan and promethazine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain dextromethorphan.

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Avoid sunlight, and wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

## Dextromethorphan and promethazine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

- weak or shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep;

- unusual restlessness or excitement;

- uncontrolled muscle movements in your neck, tongue, or eyes;

- fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;

- hallucinations, ringing in your ears;

- a seizure;

- fever, chills, weakness;

- easy bruising, unusual bleeding;

- yellowing of your skin or eyes; or

- severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Common side effects of dextromethorphan and promethazine may include:

- drowsiness, dizziness;

- dry mouth, nose, or throat;

- blurred vision;

- nausea, vomiting; or

- loss of coordination.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dextromethorphan / promethazine side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect dextromethorphan and promethazine?

Using dextromethorphan and promethazine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

- an antidepressant;

- a barbiturate such as phenobarbital;

- bronchodilator asthma medication;

- cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);

- medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;

- medicine to treat overactive bladder; or

- medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect dextromethorphan and promethazine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Dextromethorphan / promethazine drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about dextromethorphan / promethazine

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (27)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: upper respiratory combinations
- En español

### Patient resources

- Patient Information

#### Other brands

Promethazine DM

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Allergic Rhinitis
- Cold Symptoms
- Cough

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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