Dextromethorphan and phenylephrine

Generic name: dextromethorphan and phenylephrine [ DEX-troe-me-THOR-fan-and-FEN-il-EFF-rin ]
Brand names: Children's Triacting Daytime, PediaCare Children's Multi-Symptom Cold, Safetussin CD, Sudafed PE Children's Cold & Cough, Triaminic Day Time Cold & Cough, ... show all 13 brands Vicks Formula 44D Cough & Sinus Congestion Relief, Triaminic Daytime Cough and Cold, Triaminic Thin Strips Cough and Congestion, Triaminic Toddler Cough and Cold Thin Strips, Triaminic Day Time Cold and Cough, Triaminic Thin Strips Infant Decongestant Plus Cough, PediaCare Infant Decongestant/Cough, Sudafed PE Children's Cold and Cough
Dosage forms: oral disintegrating strip (5 mg-2.5 mg); oral liquid (30 mg-5 mg/10 mL; 5 mg-2.5 mg/5 mL)
Drug class:Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 27, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is dextromethorphan and phenylephrine?

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Dextromethorphan and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat cough, stuffy nose, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

dextromethorphan and phenylephrine will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Dextromethorphan and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not use dextromethorphan and phenylephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline,