Cough Dm

Description

DEXTROMETHORPHAN POLISTIREX is an extended-release oral suspension indicated as a cough suppressant. This formulation is presented as an orange-flavored liquid, contained in a 3 FL OZ (89 mL) bottle. The product is alcohol-free and includes a dosing cup for accurate administration. It contains sodium metabisulfite, which is a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions in sensitive individuals.

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. It also serves to relieve 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 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) 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 use.

Allergy Alert This product contains sodium metabisulfite, which is 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. Furthermore, individuals with a cough that produces excessive phlegm (mucus) should also consult a healthcare provider.

Stop Taking and Call Your Doctor Patients are advised to discontinue use and contact a healthcare professional 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 evaluation.

Get Emergency Medical Help 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 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, patients with a known allergy to sulfites should avoid using this product.

In the event that side effects occur, patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. It is important to report any side effects 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, these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition, and medical attention should be sought promptly.

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

There is no specific information regarding the use of this medication in geriatric patients, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to elderly patients, as individual responses may vary. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in efficacy, given the lack of targeted data for this population.

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, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to discuss their individual circumstances with a healthcare provider 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 no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in 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 text. 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, although specific guidelines are not outlined.

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 the individual’s health status. Therefore, a thorough assessment and monitoring of the patient are essential.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the specific symptoms presented. It is recommended that healthcare providers remain vigilant and prepared to implement appropriate interventions based on the clinical scenario.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic effects, non-teratogenic effects, or any relevant nonclinical toxicology data. Additionally, no details are provided concerning animal pharmacology and toxicology.

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 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 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, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a headache that lasts, as these symptoms may indicate a 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 in a bottle that requires careful handling and storage to maintain 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 prevent cross-contamination and ensure precise dosing.

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)