Dynatussin Capsule & Syrup: Uses, Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects
Dynatussin is a Philippines medication used for the treatment of cough & cold due to respiratory infections and allergy. Dynatussin is also used for the relief of fever, pain & discomfort associated with cold and flu.
Dynatussin contain the following active ingredients per cap:
Chlorpheniramine maleate 1 mg: Chlorpheniramine helps control the symptoms of cold or allergies but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Chlorpheniramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Dextromethorphan HBr 15 mg: Dextromethorphan works on the part of your brain responsible for the cough reflex, disrupting the communication between your brain and the nerves which provoke the coughing. It temporarily blocks the “lock” so that the “key” no longer fits.
Guaifenesin 50 mg: Guaifenesin, a mucoactive drug, acts by loosening mucus in the airways and making coughs more productive. It is used for relief of wet cough and chest congestion due to the common cold, and remains the only legally marketed expectorant in the US.
Paracetamol 325 mg: Paracetamol seems to work by blocking chemical messengers in the brain that tell us we have pain. Paracetamol also reduces fever by affecting the chemical messengers in an area of the brain that regulates body temperature.
Phenylpropanolamine HCl 30 mg: Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in your body. Constriction of blood vessels in your sinuses, nose, and chest allows drainage of those areas, which decreases congestion.
Each 5ml of the syrup contains Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, guaifenesin 50 mg, phenylpropanolamine HCl 10 mg, Na citrate 150 mg.
How to use Dynatussin
Dosage for adult & children older than 12 years
Cap: 1 cap.
Syrup: Adult 1-2 tbsp. Children ½-1 tsp.
All to be taken tid-qid. Adjust dose according to age. May be taken with or without food.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since cough or cold medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Dynatussin?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Dynatussin will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.
What are the side effects of Dynatussin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have severe drowsiness.
Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat;
- Constipation;
- Blurred vision; or
- Feeling restless or excited (especially in a child).
- GI disturbances
- Epigastric pain
- Headache
- Tinnitus
- Anorexia
- Difficulty in micturition
- Tightness of chest.
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.
Contraindications
Hyperthyroidism, hypertension & coronary disease. MAOIs.
Special Precautions
Asthma, liver disease; CV disease, diabetes mellitus, closed-angle glaucoma; may impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Not recommended for infants.
Warning
Avoid this medication if you have COVID -19 infection. An ingredient (dextromethorphan ) in this medicine appears to promote infection from the coronavirus, according to a new lab study looking at the impact of over-the-counter and prescription drugs on the coronavirus, led by virus experts at UCSF and the Gladstone Institutes. Researchers found that dextromethorphan caused SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to grow more in a lab setting.
