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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dextromethorphan and promethazine (Promethazine with Dextromethorphan, Promethazine with DM)?

Do not use dextromethorphan and promethazine if you have asthma or other lung disease.

Do not use a cough or cold medicine 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 cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Before taking dextromethorphan and promethazine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis. You may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Before taking dextromethorphan and promethazine, tell your doctor if you have:

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
• emphysema or chronic bronchitis;
• sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
• glaucoma;
• a stomach ulcer or digestive obstruction;
• bone marrow disorder;
• problems with urination;
• high blood pressure or heart disease; or
• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use dextromethorphan and promethazine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

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 this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm an unborn baby. Do not use dextromethorphan and promethazine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take dextromethorphan and promethazine (Promethazine with Dextromethorphan, Promethazine with DM)?

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

Measure the liquid form of this 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.

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cough medicine within the past few days.

Store dextromethorphan and promethazine at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.

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