Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine

Generic Name: dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine (dex klor fen EER a meen, dex tro me THOR fan, and soo doe e FED rin)

Brand names: Bromatan Plus, DuraTan Forte, Tanafed DMX, TanDur DM, Tannate DMP-DEX, C-Phed DPD Tann, Tanafed-DMX, Dur-Tann Forte, SuTan-DM, Tannate PD-DM

What is dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Brompheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

The combination of dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, cough, itchy or watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Always ask a doctor before giving a cold or allergy medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains an antihistamine, decongestant, or cough suppressant. Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of this medication. Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to dexchlorpheniramine, or pseudoephedrine, or if you have:

• kidney disease;


• 
  

  diabetes;

  
  


• 
  

  glaucoma;

  
  


• 
  

  heart disease or high blood pressure;

  
  


• 
  

  diabetes;

  
  


• 
  

  a thyroid disorder;

  
  


• 
  

  emphysema or chronic bronchitis;

  
  


• 
  

  an enlarged prostate; or

  
  


• 
  

  problems with urination.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially-sweetened liquid forms of cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. This would be important to know if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Check the ingredients and warnings on the medication label if you are concerned about phenylalanine.

How should I take dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Use this medication exactly as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.

Store the medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cough and cold medicine is usually taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of an overdose may include feeling restless or nervous, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, warmth or tingly feeling, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of this medication.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine.

Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.

Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains an antihistamine, decongestant, or cough suppressant.

Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• 
  

  fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;

  
  


• 
  

  slow, shallow breathing;

  
  


• 
  

  confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

  
  


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  severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness;

  
  


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  increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);

  
  


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  easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or

  
  


• 
  

  urinating less than usual or not at all.

  
  

Keep taking the medication and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• 
  

  dry mouth;

  
  


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  nausea, stomach pain, constipation, mild loss of appetite, upset stomach;

  
  


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  blurred vision;

  
  


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  warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin;

  
  


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  sleep problems (insomnia);

  
  


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  restless or excitability (especially in children);

  
  


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  skin rash or itching;

  
  


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  dizziness, drowsiness, or headache;

  
  


• 
  

  problems with memory or concentration; or

  
  


• 
  

  ringing in your ears.

  
  

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3.5 mg-30 mg-45 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release and Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3 mg-27.5 mg-50 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
5 to 15 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Cold Symptoms:

Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3.5 mg-30 mg-45 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release and Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3 mg-27.5 mg-50 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
5 to 15 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Sinusitis:

Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3.5 mg-30 mg-45 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release and Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3 mg-27.5 mg-50 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
5 to 15 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3.5 mg-30 mg-45 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release and Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3 mg-27.5 mg-50 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
2 to 5 years: 1.25 to 2.5 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 5 mL daily.
6 to 11 years: 2.5 to 5 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 10 mL daily.
12 years or older: 5 to 15 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cold Symptoms:

Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3.5 mg-30 mg-45 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release and Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3 mg-27.5 mg-50 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
2 to 5 years: 1.25 to 2.5 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 5 mL daily.
6 to 11 years: 2.5 to 5 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 10 mL daily.
12 years or older: 5 to 15 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Sinusitis:

Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3.5 mg-30 mg-45 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release and Dexchlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/PSE 3 mg-27.5 mg-50 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
2 to 5 years: 1.25 to 2.5 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 5 mL daily.
6 to 11 years: 2.5 to 5 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 10 mL daily.
12 years or older: 5 to 15 mL orally every 12 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

What other drugs will affect dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• 
  

  a diuretic (water pill), or blood pressure medicine;

  
  


• 
  

  medication to treat irritable bowel syndrome;

  
  


• 
  

  bladder or urinary medications such as oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol), darifenacin (Enablex), or tolterodine (Detrol);

  
  


• 
  

  aspirin or salicylates (such as Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others);

  
  


• 
  

  a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others; or

  
  


• 
  

  antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), and others.

  
  

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine resources

• Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine Side Effects (in more detail)
• Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine Dosage
• Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine Drug Interactions
• Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine Support Group
• 2 Reviews for Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine - Add your own review/rating

Compare dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine with other medications

• Cold Symptoms
• Hay Fever
• Sinusitis

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine side effects (in more detail)

Desoxi

Generic Name: desoximetasone (Topical application route)

des-ox-i-MET-a-sone

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Topicort


• Topicort LP

In Canada

• Desoxi


• Taro-Desoximetasone


• Topicort Mild

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment


• Gel/Jelly


• Cream

Therapeutic Class: Corticosteroid, Strong

Pharmacologic Class: Adrenal Glucocorticoid

Uses For Desoxi

Desoximetasone topical is used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using Desoxi

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of desoximetasone in children 10 years of age or older. However, because of this medicine's toxicity, it should be used with caution. Children and teenagers who must use this medicine should be checked often by their doctor since desoximetasone topical may be absorbed through the skin and can affect growth or cause other unwanted effects. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 10 years of age.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of desoximetasone topical in geriatric patients.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	C	Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Cushing's syndrome (adrenal gland disorder) or


• Diabetes or


• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or


• Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

• Infection at or near the place of application or


• Large sores, broken skin, or severe injury at the area of application—The chance of side effects may be increased.

Proper Use of desoximetasone

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain desoximetasone. It may not be specific to Desoxi. Please read with care.

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use it for any other condition without first checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause unwanted effects if it is used too much, because more of it is absorbed into the body through the skin.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

Be very careful not to get this medicine in your eyes. Wash your hands after using your finger to apply the medicine. If you accidentally get this medicine in your eyes, flush them with water.

Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of the skin. Rub it in gently.

Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not apply this medicine to open wounds, burns, or broken or inflamed skin.

This medicine should only be used for problems being treated by your doctor. Check with your doctor before using it for other problems, especially if you think that an infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or serious problems, such as severe burns.

Do not bandage or otherwise wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your doctor.

If your doctor has ordered an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap or a special patch) to be applied over this medicine, make sure you know how to apply it. Since occlusive dressings increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and the possibility of side effects, use them only as directed. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage forms (cream, gel, and ointment):
  
  • For redness, itching, and swelling of the skin:
    
    • Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin two times a day.
    
    
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions While Using Desoxi

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if it become worse, check with your doctor.

After applying this medicine to the skin of your child, watch the child carefully to make sure that he or she does not get any of the medicine in the eyes or mouth. This medicine can cause serious side effects, especially in children, if it gets into the mouth and is swallowed.

Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is greater for children and for patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor if you or your child have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this medicine: blurred vision; dizziness or fainting; fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; irritability; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

Avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child if this medicine is being used on the child's diaper area. Plastic pants and tight-fitting diapers may increase the chance of absorption of the medicine through the skin and the chance of side effects.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Desoxi Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Flushing or redness of the skin


• redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin


• unusually warm skin

Incidence not known

• Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin


• irritation


• itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin


• redness and scaling around the mouth


• thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on facial or intertriginous areas


• thinning, weakness, or wasting away of the skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

• Burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair

Incidence not known

• Acne or pimples


• burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters


• increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs


• lightening of normal skin color


• lightening of treated areas of dark skin


• reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin


• softening of the skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Desoxi side effects (in more detail)

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More Desoxi resources

• Desoxi Side Effects (in more detail)
• Desoxi Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Desoxi Drug Interactions
• Desoxi Support Group
• 9 Reviews for Desoxi - Add your own review/rating

Compare Desoxi with other medications

• Atopic Dermatitis
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Psoriasis