Equaline Cough Dm

Description

Dextromethorphan polistirex extended-release oral suspension is a cough suppressant formulated as an orange-flavored liquid. This preparation is alcohol-free and is packaged in a 3 fluid ounce (89 mL) container. The formulation 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. 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 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 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 any alternative instructions provided by their physician.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients 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 2 weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. Patients uncertain about the presence of an MAOI in their prescription should consult a healthcare professional prior to use.

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

Warnings and Precautions

Patients should not use this product concurrently with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Use is contraindicated during treatment with MAOIs and for a period of two weeks following the cessation of such therapy. 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.

General Precautions Before using this product, patients should seek medical advice if they have a chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Additionally, consultation is recommended for coughs that produce excessive phlegm (mucus).

Stop Use and Call Your Doctor If Patients should discontinue use and contact their healthcare provider if any side effects occur. Side effects can be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Furthermore, if a cough persists for more than seven days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache that lasts, these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition requiring medical evaluation.

Get Emergency Medical Help 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 adverse reactions associated with this product. Serious adverse reactions may occur, particularly in individuals currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of discontinuing such medication. It is crucial for patients to consult a healthcare professional if they are uncertain whether their prescription includes an MAOI.

Additionally, an allergy alert is warranted as the product contains sodium metabisulfite, which is a sulfite that may provoke allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and seek medical attention if side effects manifest. It is also recommended that patients report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Furthermore, if a cough persists for more than seven days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache that lasts, these symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring medical evaluation.

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 Equaline 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 not require specific dosage adjustments when using this medication, as there are no safety concerns or dosage modifications indicated in the available data. However, healthcare providers should remain vigilant in monitoring this population for any potential adverse effects, given the general considerations associated with pharmacotherapy in geriatric patients. It is advisable to assess the overall health status and comorbidities of elderly patients to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.

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 the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus.

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 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 not been specifically addressed in the drug insert regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance 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 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 are advised to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on managing the situation effectively.

Prompt intervention is crucial in mitigating potential adverse effects associated with overdose. Symptoms may vary depending on the substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and manage these symptoms as they arise.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the specific clinical presentation of the patient. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure patient safety and to address any complications that may develop during the course of treatment.

Nonclinical Toxicology

If pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a health professional prior to use. No specific non-teratogenic effects have been identified in the available data. Additionally, there are no detailed findings regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the current information.

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 side effects 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 with 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 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, 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 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 the product only with the dosing cup provided. The dosing cup should not be used with any other products to prevent cross-contamination and ensure precise dosing.

Additional Clinical Information

Patients should be informed about the appropriate route and method of administration for the medication. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 10 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum of 20 mL in 24 hours. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the dosage is 5 mL every 12 hours, not to exceed 10 mL in 24 hours. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, the dosage is 2.5 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum of 5 mL in 24 hours. The medication is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

Clinicians should counsel patients to seek medical advice before use if they have a cough lasting more than 7 days, if the cough returns, or if it is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache, as these may indicate a serious condition. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding patients should consult a healthcare professional prior to use. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

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