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What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine (Viravan-PDM)?

Do not use a cough and cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, or pyrilamine, or if you have:

• high blood pressure;
• circulation problems;
• if you are having an asthma attack; or
• if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

• a stomach ulcer;
• a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
• heart disease;
• diabetes;
• glaucoma;
• a thyroid disorder;
• urination problems; or
• if you have allergies.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without medical advice if you are pregnant.

Dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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

How should I take dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and pyrilamine (Viravan-PDM)?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 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.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

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