Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 15 mg/5 mL
Class: Antitussive (cough suppressant) syrup
Manufacturer:
Dosage Form: Oral syrup
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Symptomatic relief of non-productive (dry, irritating, hacking) coughs, including:
- Dry cough from common cold, flu, or upper respiratory irritation.
- Persistent irritating cough without mucus/phlegm.
- Cough not accompanied by excessive secretions (helps suppress urge to cough for better rest/sleep).
Not for productive/wet coughs (may thicken secretions and hinder clearance), asthma/emphysema/chronic bronchitis coughs, or coughs from smoking—consult doctor for persistent coughs (>1 week), recurring coughs, or those with high fever/rash/headache (may indicate serious underlying issue).
Dosage:
Oral, every 4–6 hours as needed (do not exceed 4 doses/24 hours; shake bottle; use measuring device).
Adults: 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) every 4 hours or 20 mL (4 teaspoonfuls) every 6–8 hours (max 60–80 mL/day depending on variant).
Children 5–12 years: 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) every 6–8 hours (some labels start at 5+ years; consult pharmacist/doctor).
Children under 5 years: Not recommended (safety not established).
Duration: Short-term (e.g., 3–7 days); seek medical advice if no improvement or symptoms worsen. Take with water if needed.
Side Effects:
Common (mild/transient): Drowsiness/sedation (may affect alertness), dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain), dry mouth.
Less common: Headache, restlessness, excitation (paradoxical in children).
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Respiratory depression (high doses), severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), or overdosage symptoms (confusion, excitation, hypertension).
Warnings & Precautions:
May cause drowsiness—avoid driving/machinery, alcohol, sedatives (potentiates CNS depression).
Not for persistent coughs with smoking, asthma, emphysema, or excessive mucus (consult doctor).
Use caution in liver impairment, children under 5 (not recommended), or if cough is accompanied by other symptoms (e.g., fever, rash—seek doctor).
Contains sweeteners (e.g., sorbitol/saccharin—may cause GI upset in high doses or affect diabetics).
Alcohol-free/sugar-free in many variants, but confirm label.
Overdose: Seek emergency help (symptoms include excitation, confusion).
Not for persistent coughs with smoking, asthma, emphysema, or excessive mucus (consult doctor).
Use caution in liver impairment, children under 5 (not recommended), or if cough is accompanied by other symptoms (e.g., fever, rash—seek doctor).
Contains sweeteners (e.g., sorbitol/saccharin—may cause GI upset in high doses or affect diabetics).
Alcohol-free/sugar-free in many variants, but confirm label.
Overdose: Seek emergency help (symptoms include excitation, confusion).
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Not recommended (limited data; safety not established—consult doctor).
Lactation: Not recommended (no information on secretion into breast milk—consult provider).
Drug Interactions:
CNS depressants (alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, opioids): Potentiated CNS depression/drowsiness.
MAO inhibitors: Risk of excitation, hypertension, hyperpyrexia—avoid concurrent use.
Other cough/cold medicines: Additive effects (avoid overlap).
MAO inhibitors: Risk of excitation, hypertension, hyperpyrexia—avoid concurrent use.
Other cough/cold medicines: Additive effects (avoid overlap).
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to dextromethorphan or any ingredient.
Asthma or hepatic dysfunction.
Children under 5 years (per many labels).
Concomitant MAO inhibitors (or within 2 weeks).
Asthma or hepatic dysfunction.
Children under 5 years (per many labels).
Concomitant MAO inhibitors (or within 2 weeks).
Price: Ksh 873/-
Notes:
This formulation is typically alcohol-free and sugar-free.