Friday, October 7, 2016

Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir


Pronunciation: FEN-il-EF-rin/BROME-fen-IR-a-meen/DEX-troe-meth-OR-fan
Generic Name: Phenylephrine/Brompheniramine/Dextromethorphan
Brand Name: Examples include Alahist DM and Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold


Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir is used for:

Relieving symptoms of sinus congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and cough due to colds, upper respiratory infections, and allergies. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir is a decongestant, antihistamine, and cough suppressant combination. The decongestant works by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nasal passages. The antihistamine works by blocking the action of histamine, which helps reduce symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing. The cough suppressant works in the brain to help decrease the cough reflex to reduce a dry cough.


Do NOT use Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir

  • you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, rapid heartbeat, or severe heart problems

  • you are unable to urinate or are having an asthma attack

  • you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB) or have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir:


Some medical conditions may interact with Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

  • if you have a history of adrenal gland problems (eg, adrenal gland tumor); heart problems; high blood pressure; diabetes; heart blood vessel problems; stroke; glaucoma; a blockage of your bladder, stomach, or intestines; ulcers; trouble urinating; an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems; seizures; or an overactive thyroid

  • if you have a history of asthma, chronic cough, lung problems (eg, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or if your cough occurs with large amounts of mucus

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Digoxin or droxidopa because the risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack may be increased

  • Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, tolcapone), furazolidone, indomethacin, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), sodium oxybate (GHB), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may increase the risk of Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir's side effects

  • Bromocriptine or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir

  • Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir:


Use Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Take Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

  • Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.

  • Drink plenty of water while taking Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir.

  • If you miss a dose of Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir.



Important safety information:


  • Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

  • Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

  • Do not take diet or appetite control medicines while you are taking Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir without checking with your doctor.

  • Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir has phenylephrine, brompheniramine, and dextromethorphan in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has phenylephrine, brompheniramine, or dextromethorphan in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Do not use Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir for cough with a lot of mucus. Do not use for long-term cough (eg, caused by asthma, emphysema, smoking). However, you may use it for these conditions if your doctor tells you to.

  • Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

  • If your symptoms do not get better within 5 to 7 days, if they get worse, or if they occur along with a fever, check with your doctor.

  • Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

  • Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir for a few days before the tests.

  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

  • Use Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitability, low blood pressure, and trouble urinating.

  • Caution is advised when using Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially excitability.

  • Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old without first checking with the child's doctor; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir while you are pregnant. Do not take Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is not known if Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Blurred vision; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, or throat; excitability; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest tightness; difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; flushing or redness of the face; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; numbness or tingling; seizures; severe dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; shortness of breath; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision changes.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; confusion; hallucinations; muscle spasms; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; unusual eye movements; unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; vomiting.


Proper storage of Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir:

Store Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Elixir. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold resources


  • Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Drug Interactions
  • Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold Support Group
  • 1 Review for Dimetapp DM Cough/Cold - Add your own review/rating


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