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What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and phenylephrine (DexPhen M, Extendryl, Re-Drylex)?

Do not take this medication if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take a cold or allergy medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, or phenylephrine, or if you have:

• glaucoma;
• heart disease;
• high blood pressure; or
• a thyroid disorder.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
• kidney disease;
• diabetes;
• an enlarged prostate;
• problems with urination; or
• if you are over 40 years old;

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and phenylephrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 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.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.

How should I take dexchlorpheniramine, methscopolamine, and phenylephrine (DexPhen M, Extendryl, Re-Drylex)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Cold medicine is usually taken for only a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few days of treatment, or if you also have a fever with headache, cough, or skin rash.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.

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