Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on a low-sodium, low-sugar, or any other special diet. Most medicines contain more than their active ingredient, and many liquid medicines contain alcohol.

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor or the directions on the label. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor or the label says. Although this effect has happened only rarely, dextromethorphan has become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) in some persons who used too much for a long time.

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 lozenge dosage form:
    • For cough:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 to 15 mg every two to four hours, as needed.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—5 to 15 mg every two to six hours, as needed.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—5 mg every four hours, as needed.
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
  • For syrup dosage form:
    • For cough:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—30 mg every six to eight hours, as needed.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—7 mg every four hours or 15 mg every six to eight hours, as needed.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—3.5 mg every four hours or 7.5 mg every six to eight hours, as needed.
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
  • For extended-release oral suspension dosage form :
    • For cough:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—60 mg every twelve hours, as needed.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—30 mg every twelve hours, as needed.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—15 mg every twelve hours, as needed.
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take 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. Do not double doses.

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.

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Portions of this document last updated: Sept. 01, 2023