Cough Dm

Description

DEXTROMETHORPHAN POLISTIREX EXTENDED-RELEASE ORAL SUSPENSION is an orange-flavored liquid formulation designed as a cough suppressant. Each 3 FL OZ (89 mL) bottle contains sodium metabisulfite, which may elicit allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals. This product is free from alcohol and gluten, and it provides up to 12 hours of cough relief. A dosage cup is included for accurate administration. 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 use. Dosing must be measured exclusively with the dosing cup provided; the dosing cup should not be used with any other products to ensure accurate measurement.

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

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to follow these dosing instructions or any alternative dosing as directed by a 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 contains sodium metabisulfite, which may cause allergic-type reactions in individuals with sulfite sensitivity.

Warnings and Precautions

The use of this product is contraindicated in patients currently taking prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, it is advised to refrain from using this product for a minimum of two weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. Healthcare professionals should counsel patients to verify with their doctor or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Patients should be aware of the Allergy Alert associated with this product, as it contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may trigger allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals.

It is imperative for patients 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. Furthermore, patients should seek medical advice if a cough persists for more than seven days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache lasting longer than a few days, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted at 1-800-222-1222.

Side Effects

Patients should be aware of the potential for allergic reactions associated with the use of this product, as it contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite known to cause allergic-type reactions in some individuals.

In clinical practice, it is advised that patients discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any side effects. Additionally, if a cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache that lasts, these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.

Patients are encouraged to report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to contribute to ongoing safety monitoring.

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

Geriatric patients may not have specific use information provided in the prescribing information. There are no recommended age considerations, dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions outlined for elderly patients. Healthcare providers should exercise clinical judgment when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients, considering the individual health status and potential for altered pharmacokinetics in this population. Monitoring for efficacy and safety is advised, as the absence of specific data does not preclude the need for careful assessment in elderly individuals.

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 weighed, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to seek medical advice to ensure safe use during pregnancy and lactation.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data on the excretion of this drug 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 medication. Consequently, there are no 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. Healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Prompt intervention is crucial in managing potential overdose situations. Symptoms of overdose may vary depending on the substance involved and the individual’s health status. Therefore, a thorough assessment and monitoring of the patient are essential to determine the appropriate course of action.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the specific symptoms presented. It is vital for healthcare providers to remain vigilant and prepared to implement necessary interventions based on the clinical presentation of the patient.

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 specific information regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology is available.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has indicated 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 received are considered voluntary and contribute to ongoing surveillance efforts.

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 two weeks after discontinuing an MAOI. If patients are uncertain whether their prescription medication contains 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. They should also be informed that side effects can be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Additionally, 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. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. 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 in a container that requires careful handling to ensure its efficacy. 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 integrity 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 should 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)