Cough Dm

Description

Dextromethorphan Polistirex Extended-Release Oral Suspension is an orange-flavored liquid formulation designed as a cough suppressant, providing up to 12 hours of cough relief suitable for use during the day or night. This product is alcohol-free and is packaged in a 3 FL OZ (89 mL) container, which includes a dosing cup for accurate administration. It contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may trigger allergic-type reactions in sensitive individuals. This formulation is comparable to the active ingredient found in Delsym®.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation, which may occur with the common cold or as a result of inhaled irritants. Additionally, it is indicated for the temporary relief of the impulse to cough, facilitating sleep.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

The bottle should be shaken well before each use. Dosing must be measured exclusively with the dosing cup provided; the use of this cup with other products is not recommended.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 10 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum limit of 20 mL within a 24-hour period. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the dosage is 5 mL every 12 hours, not to exceed 10 mL in a 24-hour period. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, the appropriate dosage is 2.5 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum of 5 mL in 24 hours. This product is not indicated for use in children under 4 years of age.

Healthcare professionals should ensure that patients adhere to these dosing guidelines or follow any specific instructions provided by their physician.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI. This includes certain medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Patients should consult a healthcare professional if uncertain about the presence of an MAOI in their prescription.

Additionally, this product should not be used by individuals with a known allergy to sodium metabisulfite, as it may cause allergic-type reactions.

Warnings and Precautions

Do not use this product if currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Use is contraindicated for a period of 2 weeks following the cessation of an MAOI. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of an MAOI in a prescription medication, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, prior to use.

Allergy Alert: This product contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may provoke allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to seek medical consultation before using this product if they have a chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if they experience a cough accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Patients are instructed to discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if any side effects occur. Side effects may be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Additionally, if a cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache that lasts, patients should seek medical attention, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition.

In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to obtain immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Side Effects

Patients should be aware of the potential adverse reactions associated with the use of this product. Notably, the formulation contains sodium metabisulfite, which may lead to allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals. Therefore, it is advised that patients with known allergies to sulfites avoid using this product.

In the event that side effects occur, patients are encouraged to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. It is particularly important to seek medical advice if a cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Patients are also reminded that they can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of this product with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated. MAOIs are typically prescribed for the treatment of depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, and Parkinson’s disease. Patients should not take this product while on MAOIs or for a period of two weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. It is essential for patients to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, to verify whether their current prescription includes an MAOI before initiating treatment with this product.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cough Dm (dextromethorphan polistirex). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 6 to under 12 years may be administered 5 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum dosage of 10 mL in a 24-hour period. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, the recommended dosage is 2.5 mL every 12 hours, not to exceed 5 mL in 24 hours. The use of this medication is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may exhibit increased sensitivity to side effects associated with this medication. Due to the potential for altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in this population, dosage adjustments may be necessary, particularly in individuals with reduced kidney function.

Healthcare professionals are advised to carefully evaluate the renal function of geriatric patients prior to prescribing this medication. It is recommended that a thorough consultation with a healthcare provider be conducted before initiating treatment in elderly patients to ensure safety and efficacy. Monitoring for adverse effects and therapeutic response is essential in this demographic to mitigate risks associated with increased sensitivity.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is important to assess the potential risks and benefits associated with its use during pregnancy and lactation. The safety of this medication in pregnant women has not been established, and therefore, caution is advised.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data regarding the excretion of this medication in human breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have no specific information regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations provided in the drug insert. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the lack of data necessitates careful clinical judgment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this drug. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the prescribing information.

Overdosage

In the absence of specific information regarding overdosage, healthcare professionals are advised to exercise caution and adhere to general principles of management in cases of suspected overdose.

It is essential to monitor the patient closely for any potential symptoms that may arise, as the clinical presentation can vary depending on the substance involved. Common symptoms of overdose may include, but are not limited to, altered mental status, cardiovascular instability, and respiratory distress.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention should be sought. Healthcare providers should initiate supportive care, which may include maintaining airway patency, providing supplemental oxygen, and monitoring vital signs.

Additionally, it is recommended to contact a poison control center or consult relevant clinical guidelines for specific management protocols tailored to the substance involved. Prompt intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes in cases of overdose.

Nonclinical Toxicology

If pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a health professional prior to use. The product contains sodium metabisulfite, which is a sulfite that may lead to allergic-type reactions in sensitive individuals. No additional relevant information regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology has been extracted.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified that side effects may occur following the use of the product. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report any adverse events to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Reports may be submitted voluntarily or through surveillance programs, contributing to the ongoing assessment of the product's safety profile.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. It is crucial to inform patients that this product should not be used concurrently with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Patients should also be cautioned against using this product for at least two weeks after discontinuing an MAOI. If patients are uncertain whether their prescription includes an MAOI, they should be encouraged to consult their doctor or pharmacist.

Providers should alert patients to the presence of sodium metabisulfite in the formulation, which may trigger allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals. Patients must be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience any side effects. Additionally, they should be informed that side effects can be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Patients should be advised to stop using the product and seek medical advice if their cough persists for more than seven days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a headache that lasts, as these symptoms may indicate a serious condition. It is also important for healthcare providers to recommend that patients consult a doctor before using this product if they have a chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a container that requires careful handling to ensure its integrity and effectiveness. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Prior to use, the bottle must be shaken well to ensure proper mixing of the contents.

For accurate dosing, it is essential to measure only with the dosing cup provided with the product. The dosing cup should not be used with any other products to maintain its intended use and prevent cross-contamination.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should inform patients that the formulation contains sodium metabisulfite, which may trigger allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to use. In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center contacted at 1-800-222-1222.

No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Cough Dm, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)