Dimetapp: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Dimetapp is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or other respiratory conditions such as sinusitis, bronchitis manage. Dimetapp contains a cough suppressant, a decongestant and an antihistamine.

1. Uses and indications of Dimetapp

Dimetapp is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or other respiratory conditions such as sinusitis, bronchitis manage. Dimetapp contains a cough suppressant, a decongestant and an antihistamine.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that acts on a certain part of the brain (cough center), reducing the urge to cough. Decongestants help relieve symptoms of nasal congestion. Antihistamines relieve watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, runny nose, and sneezing.
Cough and cold medicines have not been shown to be safe or effective in children under 6 years of age. Therefore, do not use Dimetapp to treat cold symptoms in children under 6 years of age unless specifically directed by your doctor.
Some forms of Dimetapp such as long-acting tablets/capsules are not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Ask your doctor for more details about using your product safely and effectively.
Medicines do not cure or shorten the duration of the common cold and can cause serious side effects. To reduce your risk of serious side effects, follow all dosage instructions carefully. Do not use Dimetapp to make your child drowsy. Do not use other cough and cold medicines that may contain the same ingredients as Dimetapp.
You should also ask your doctor about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier, or saline nasal drops/spray.
Dimetapp is indicated in the following cases:
Cold symptoms Allergic rhinitis Vasomotor rhinitis Nasal congestion Runny nose Cough Dimetapp is not indicated in the following cases:
Overactive thyroid gland Levels Angle-closure glaucoma High blood pressure Peptic ulcers Bladder obstruction Prostate enlargement Incontinence Chronic idiopathic Constipation Systemic leukocytosis Acidosis High blood acidity Uncontrolled high blood pressure under control A heart attack Coronary artery disease Ventricular tachycardia Bradycardia Chronic heart failure Severe arterial stiffness A blood clot in an artery Acute hepatitis Acute pancreatitis Decreased oxygen in tissues or blood Allergies Reacts to:
Dextromethorphan Analogues Sympathomimetics Ephedrine Analogues Antihistamines Antihistamines - Alkylamine

2. How to use Dimetapp

If you are taking Dimetapp that has not been prescribed by your doctor, read all directions on the product packaging before taking it. If your doctor has prescribed Dimetapp, take it as directed by your doctor. Dimetapp is to be taken by mouth on an empty or full stomach with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. Dimetapp can be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. If you are using Dimetapp liquid, use a medication meter to carefully measure the prescribed dose. If the liquid form of Dimetapp you are taking is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each use. If you are taking Dimetapp extended-release capsules, swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew Dimetapp capsules or slow-release tablets. Doing so may release Dimetapp all at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the extended-release tablets unless they are marked and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. The chewable form of Dimetapp should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. If you are taking Dimetapp powder, mix it thoroughly with the appropriate amount of liquid and stir well. Drink all the liquid immediately. The dose of Dimetapp is calculated based on your age, medical condition and response to therapy. If you are taking Dimetapp to treat symptoms of allergies or hay fever, take it regularly to get the most benefit from it. Improper use of Dimetapp (abuse) can lead to serious harm such as brain damage, seizures, and death. Do not increase your dose, take Dimetapp more often, or use it for a longer time than directed. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after treatment with Dimetapp. Do not take Dimetapp for several days before an allergy test because test results may be affected.

3. Dimetapp . side effects

During the use of Dimetapp, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor right away.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on hard candy (sugar-free) or shaved ice, chew gum (sugar-free), drink water, or use a saliva substitute. Dimetapp can dry and thicken mucus in your lungs, making it harder to breathe and clear your lungs. To prevent this effect, drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
If your doctor has prescribed Dimetapp, remember that they have judged that the benefits to you outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people use Dimetapp without any serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but serious side effects of Dimetapp occur including: mental/mood changes (e.g. confusion, hallucinations), tinnitus, tremor, difficulty urinating, weakness.
Tell your doctor right away if any of the following rare but very serious side effects of Dimetapp occur: easy bruising or bleeding, fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, seizures jerk.
A very serious allergic reaction to Dimetapp is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Dimetapp may include: rash, itching/swelling anywhere especially on the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing .
Below are Dimetapp side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Dimetapp include:
Increased thickness of parts of the lungs Dizziness Drowsiness Less common side effects of Dimetapp include:
Creates an unusual state of comfort Side effects RARE Common side effects of Dimetapp include:
Blood disorders Anaphylaxis Anemia Hemolytic anemia Irregular heartbeat Dizziness Dizziness Excessive sweating Heart palpitations Hallucinations Headache Loss of skin color Low blood pressure Muscle tremors Anxiety Convulsions Vomiting Changes in vision Irritability Tingling sensation on the skin Headache Migraine skin rash Macular rash Full stomach Refreshing Incontinence Feeling anxious Blurred vision Chest discomfort Chills Confusion Constipation Decreased appetite Diarrhea Difficult or painful urination Difficulty sleeping Dizziness Double vision Drowsiness Dry mouth Dry nose Headache Heart pounding Honeycomb Increased skin sensitivity to the sun Severe stomach pain Intense Irritability Itching Loss of muscle coordination Low energy Muscle tremors Nausea Anxiety Nightmares Overexcited Tinnitus Rotating sensation Stomach cramps K Sore throat Difficulty breathing Wheezing This is not a complete list of Dimetapp possible side effects. If you notice other effects of Dimetapp medicine not listed above, contact your doctor.

4. Precautions of the drug Dimetapp

Before taking Dimetapp, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine and any other allergies. Dimetapp medicinal products may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Dimetapp, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
Respiratory problems such as emphysema, asthma. Diabetes Eye problems such as glaucoma Heart problems High blood pressure Kidney problems Liver problems Convulsions Stomach/intestinal problems (eg, ulcers, blockages) An overactive thyroid level (hyperthyroidism). Urinary problems such as difficulty urinating, urinary retention. Dimetapp can make you dizzy, drowsy, or blur your vision, and alcohol and marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness or clear vision while you are taking Dimetapp, until you can do these tasks safely. Limit alcoholic beverages during treatment with Dimetapp.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness while using Dimetapp, get up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
Dimetapp may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit your consumption of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor on how to safely use Dimetapp.
Dimetapp liquid preparations may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Therefore, it should be used with caution if you have diabetes, alcoholism or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of Dimetapp.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Dimetapp, especially drowsiness, dizziness, mental/mood changes, heart palpitations, constipation, trouble urinating, or blood changes pressure. Dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion can increase the risk of falls.
Children may be more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. In young children, Dimetapp may cause agitation/euphoria instead of drowsiness.
Women in pregnancy, should only use Dimetapp when absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Dimetapp can pass into breast milk, so you should consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

5. Dimetapp drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way Dimetapp works or increase your risk of serious side effects. You should make a list of all the medications you take including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products and share it with your doctor. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine while you are being treated with Dimetapp, without your doctor's approval.
Taking some MAO inhibitors with Dimetapp can cause serious (possibly fatal) drug interactions. Avoid taking isocarboxazid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, or tranylcypromine during treatment with Dimetapp.
Most MAO inhibitors are also not recommended for two weeks prior to treatment with Dimetapp. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking Dimetapp.
If you are currently taking any of the medicines listed above, tell your doctor before you start taking Dimetapp. Avoid taking an MAO inhibitor within 2 weeks of starting or stopping Dimetapp.
Some drugs that may interact with Dimetapp are:
Topical antihistamines such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment or spray. Antispasmodics (eg, atropine, belladonna alkaloids). Beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol, atenolol) Parkinson's disease medications: Anticholinergics such as trihexyphenidyl. Guanethidine Some inhaled anesthetics such as halothane. Methyldopa, rolapitant, scopolamine. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, desipramine. Tell your doctor if you are taking other products that also cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, sleeping or anxiety medications (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), a muscle relaxant (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or another antihistamine (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Dimetapp affects the results of some medical tests such as brain scans for Parkinson's disease, urine drug screening tests. Make sure laboratory staff and all your doctors know you are using Dimetapp.

6. What to do when using Dimetapp drug overdose

If you or someone else has overdosed on Dimetapp and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
Dimetapp overdose symptoms may include: agitation, confusion, flushing, hallucinations, large pupils, muscle twitching, convulsions. In children, euphoria may appear first, and then there may be loss of coordination, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, convulsions.

7. What to do when you forget to use Dimetapp

If you are taking Dimetapp on a regular schedule and forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you find that it is almost time for your next dose of Dimetapp, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose of Dimetapp at the usual time and do not take a double dose.

8. How to store medicine Dimetapp

Store Dimetapp in an airtight container at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C), away from light and moisture. Do not store Dimetapp in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of Dimetapp. Keep Dimetapp out of reach of children and pets.
Do not flush Dimetapp down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Dispose of the medicinal product appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed.

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Reference source: webmd.com