Cough Dm

Description

Dextromethorphan polistirex is an extended-release oral suspension formulated as a cough suppressant. This preparation is presented as a grape-flavored liquid, with a total volume of 5 fluid ounces (148 mL). The formulation is alcohol-free and contains sodium metabisulfite, which is a sulfite that may elicit allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of cough associated with minor throat and bronchial irritation, which may occur due to the common cold or inhaled irritants. It also serves to alleviate the impulse to cough, thereby facilitating sleep.

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

Dosage and Administration

The bottle should be shaken well before 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 dose 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 dose 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 any alternative instructions provided by a physician.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease, and for a period of 2 weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. Patients should consult a healthcare professional if uncertain whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Additionally, this product contains sodium metabisulfite, which may cause allergic-type reactions in individuals with sulfite sensitivity.

Warnings and Precautions

Patients should not use this product if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, use is contraindicated for a period of two weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. If there is uncertainty regarding whether a prescription drug contains an MAOI, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, prior to using this product.

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

General Precautions Before using this product, patients should seek medical advice if they have a chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if they experience a cough accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Stop Taking and Call Your Doctor Instructions Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if any side effects occur. Side effects can be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Additionally, if a cough persists for more than seven days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a headache that lasts, these may indicate a serious condition requiring medical attention.

Get Emergency Medical Help Instructions In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Side Effects

Patients may experience adverse reactions associated with the use of this medication. Notably, there is an Allergy Alert due to the presence of sodium metabisulfite, which is a sulfite that may lead to allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals.

In clinical practice, patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any side effects occur. It is important to report these side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Additionally, patients should seek medical attention if a cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache lasting longer than expected, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition.

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 minimum 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 medication contains 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 under 4 years of age should not use this medication. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, the recommended dosage is 2.5 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum of 5 mL in a 24-hour period. In children aged 6 to under 12 years, the dosage increases to 5 mL every 12 hours, not to exceed 10 mL in 24 hours. For adolescents and adults aged 12 years and over, the dosage is 10 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum of 20 mL in 24 hours.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific information regarding the use of this medication, as the prescribing information does not provide any age-related considerations. There are no recommended dosage adjustments or safety concerns specifically outlined for geriatric patients. Additionally, no special precautions are indicated for this population.

Healthcare providers should exercise clinical judgment when prescribing this medication to elderly patients, considering individual patient factors and potential comorbidities that may influence treatment outcomes. Regular monitoring may be warranted to ensure safety and efficacy in this demographic.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully considered in these populations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus or infant.

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. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this medication. 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 event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. The national Poison Control Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that timely intervention is crucial in managing overdose situations. Symptoms of overdose may vary depending on the substance involved, and it is essential to monitor the patient closely for any signs of adverse reactions.

Management of an overdose typically involves supportive care and symptomatic treatment. Healthcare providers should ensure that the patient is stabilized and may need to implement specific protocols based on the substance taken. Continuous assessment and monitoring of vital signs are recommended to guide further treatment decisions.

In summary, prompt action and appropriate medical intervention are vital in the management of overdose cases to mitigate potential complications and ensure patient safety.

Nonclinical Toxicology

If pregnant or breast-feeding, 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 susceptible individuals.

No relevant information is available regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Adverse events have been reported voluntarily through postmarketing surveillance programs. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. This reporting contributes to the ongoing monitoring of the safety profile of the product.

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 they should not use this product if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have stopped taking an MAOI within the past two weeks. Patients who are uncertain whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI should be encouraged to consult with their doctor or pharmacist prior to using this product.

Providers should also alert patients to the presence of sodium metabisulfite in the formulation, which may lead to allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals. Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience any side effects. Additionally, they may report side effects 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, returns after improvement, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a headache that lasts. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. Furthermore, healthcare providers should recommend that patients consult a doctor before using the 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 with a dosing cup included for accurate measurement. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) to ensure optimal stability and efficacy. Proper storage conditions are essential for maintaining the integrity of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should inform patients that the product 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 can be contacted at 1-800-222-1222. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

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)