Our Services
Explore health content from A to Z.
Hospital Locations
I need information about...
DEXTROMETHORPHAN; PROMETHAZINE (dex troe meth OR fan; proe METH a zeen) is a cough suppressant and an antihistamine. It is used to treat coughing due to colds or allergies. This medicine will not treat an infection.
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Do not use this medicine in children less than 2 years of age.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
changes in vision
confused, disoriented, excitable
fast, irregular heartbeat
fever, sweating
hallucinations
high or low blood pressure
lightheaded
muscle stiffness
seizures
tremors, twitches
yellow eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
congestion in the nose
dry mouth
nausea, vomiting
stomach upset
trouble sleeping
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol or alcohol-containing products
barbiturate medicines like phenobarbital
epinephrine
medicines for depression, anxiety or psychotic disturbances
medicines for Parkinson's disease
medicines for sleep
medicines for the stomach like metoclopramide, dicyclomine, glycopyrrolate
pain medicines
radio contrast dyes
sibutramine
some medicines for cold or allergies
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
asthma or other lung disease
diabetes
eczema
seizure disorder
serious or chronic illness
sleep apnea
an unusual or allergic reaction to dextromethorphan, promethazine, phenothiazines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.