dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine

Pronunciation:	dex klor feh NEER a meen, dex tro meh THOR fan, and soo doe eh FEH drin
Brand:	Tanafed DMX

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

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine.

Do not take this product for persistent or chronic cough such as occurs with smoking, asthma, emphysema, or if cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus) unless directed by a doctor. Do not take this product to treat a cough for longer than one week.

Do not take dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine for longer than 7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm.

What is dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Dexchlorpheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It suppresses an area in the brain that causes coughing.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow and allows nasal passages to open up.

Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal congestion, sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), and coughs associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

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

Who should not take dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Do not take dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

kidney disease,
liver disease,
diabetes,
glaucoma,
heart disease or high blood pressure,
thyroid disease,
a stomach ulcer or a stomach obstruction,
asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or
difficulty urinating or have an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions.

How should I take dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Take dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm.

Store dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine overdose include dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea and vomiting, hyperactivity, or hallucinations.

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

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine.

Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine is taken with any of these medications.

What are the possible side effects of dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine and seek emergency medical attention. If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience

dryness of the eyes, nose, and mouth;
drowsiness or dizziness;
blurred vision;
difficulty urinating; or
excitation in children.

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.

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

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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

What does my medication look like?

Dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine is available with a prescription under the brand name Tanafed DMX. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Tanafed DMX 2.5 mg dexchlorpheniramine, 25 mg dextromethorphan, 75 mg pseudoephedrine per teaspoon (5 mL)-blue-colored, cotton candy flavored suspension

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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