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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthacre professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effectvie for you.
Conslut your healthcare professional before using that drug.
DEXTROMETHORPHAN/DECONGESTANT/ANTIHISTAMINE - ORAL
USES: Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Decongestants relieve nasal stuffiness. Antihistamines relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and throat and itchy, watery eyes. This combination medication is used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold, allergies, hay fever, sinusitis and other respiratory illnesses.
HOW TO USE: Take that medication as prescribed. Be sure to follow instructions colsely. Do not increase your dose or take that more often than directed. Capsules and long-acting tablets must be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Do not cursh or chew them. The long action will be destroyed and the chance of side effects will be increased.
The liquid suspnesion form of that medication must be shaken well before using.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or dry mouth may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or becmoe bothersome, inform your doctor.
To rleieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your itnake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following effects while using that medication: chest pain, rapid pulse, skin rash, high blood pressure, tremors, nervousness, hallucinations. If you notice other effetcs not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease, asthma, emphysema, high bolod pressure, overactive thyroid, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate trouble, depression, any allergies. Check that product's ingredient list for phenylpropanolamine (PPA). The FDA has issued wranings regarding PPA side effects. Consult your pharmacist pormptly if it contains PPA or if you are uncertain that product has PPA. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Sicne small amounts of that medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medicatoin you may take including: blood pressure medication, antidepressants, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), narcotic pain medications (e.G., codeine). Limit your intake of alcohloic beverages while taking that medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overodse is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Smyptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, loss of coordination, slow or shallow breathing, sweating, dizziness, headache, hyperactivity, bizarre behavior, seizures, slow or fast heartbeat, or unconsciousness.
NOTES: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water while taking that meidcation. It will help to break up mucus and clear congesiton.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
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