dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine

Generic Name: dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine (DEK troe me THOR fan, SOO doe ee FED rin, pir IL a meed)

Brand names: Viravan-PDM, Viravan-PDM (obsolete formulation)

What is dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine?

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).

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

The combination of dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, cough, and other symptoms caused by allergies or the common cold.

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

Dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not use a cough and cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, or pyrilamine, or if you have high blood pressure, circulation problems, if you are having an asthma attack, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Before you take dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine, tell your doctor if you have allergies, a stomach ulcer, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, a thyroid disorder, or urination problems.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. 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. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, or allergy medicine. Antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine, decongestant, or cough suppressant.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine?

Do not use a cough and cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, or pyrilamine, or if you have:

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  high blood pressure;

  
  


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  circulation problems;

  
  


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  if you are having an asthma attack; or

  
  


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  if you are breast-feeding a baby.

  
  

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

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  a stomach ulcer;

  
  


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  a blockage in your stomach or intestines;

  
  


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  heart disease;

  
  


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  diabetes;

  
  


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  glaucoma;

  
  


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  a thyroid disorder;

  
  


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  urination problems; or

  
  


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  if you have allergies.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without medical advice if you are pregnant. Dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.

How should I take dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. 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. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose 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. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

See also: Dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cough or cold medicine is taken when 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. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling restless or nervous, extreme drowsiness, confusion, weak or shallow breathing, and seizure (convulsions).

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

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, or allergy medicine. Antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine, decongestant, or cough suppressant.

Dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine 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 dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


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  fast or pounding heartbeats;

  
  


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  painful or difficult urination;

  
  


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  wheezing, tight feeling in your chest, trouble breathing;

  
  


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  easy bruising or bleeding;

  
  


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  pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness; or

  
  


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  high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness;

  
  


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  feeling restless or excited (especially in children);

  
  


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  dry mouth, nose, or throat;

  
  


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  nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, upset stomach;

  
  


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  diarrhea, constipation;

  
  


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  itching or skin rash;

  
  


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  increased sensitivity of your skin to sunlight;

  
  


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  loss of balance or coordination;

  
  


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  sleep problems (insomnia); or

  
  


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  headache.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion:

Dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine/pyrilamine 15 mg-30 mg-20 mg/5 mL oral liquid:
10 mL orally every 6 hours not to exceed 4 doses daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion:

Dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine/pyrilamine 15 mg-30 mg-20 mg/5 mL oral liquid:
6 to 11 years: 5 mL orally every 6 hours not to exceed 4 doses daily.
12 years or older: 10 mL orally every 6 hours not to exceed 4 doses daily.

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

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by dextromethorphan or pyrilamine.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine resources

• Dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine Dosage
• Dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine Drug Interactions
• Dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine - Add your own review/rating

Compare dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine with other medications

• Cold Symptoms
• Cough and Nasal Congestion

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine.