According to Medline Plus, dextromethorphan is the generic name of a drug used to temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, flu or other conditions. Dextromethorphan will treat a cough, but it does not offer cure for the underlying cause of the cough. Dextromethorphan works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing. It is available in liquid, pill or chewable tablet form or as a dissolving strip. Side effects of dextromethorphan may include dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, restlessness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Anyone experiencing these side effects should notify his physician for further medical advice.
Pregnancy
Drugs.com reports that women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant should not take dextromethorphan as the drug may not be safe for the fetus. Also, since dextromethorphan may pass into breast milk, nursing mothers should avoid taking dextromethorphan as well. Anyone who becomes pregnant while taking dextromethorphan should notify her physician immediately.
Phenylketonuria
Medline Plus reports that anyone who has phenylketonuria, an inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent mental retardation, should be aware that some brands of chewable tablets that contain dextromethorphan may be sweetened with the artificial sweetener, aspartame. Aspartame is a source of phenylalanine and should not be consumed by anyone with phenylketonuria.
Concurrent Use of MAOI Drugs
According to Medline Plus, anyone taking a MAOI drug should not take dextromethorphan. MAOI's, or monamine oxidase inhibitors include drugs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine. In addition, dextromethorphan should not be taken by anyone who has stopped taking a MAOI within the previous two weeks. This is because dextromethorphan may interact with the MAOI, resulting in a serious, and sometimes fatal, drug reaction.
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