Benacof (Dextromethorphan)

Description
Dextromethorphan (dex-troe-meth-OR-fan) is used to relieve coughs due to colds or influenza (flu). It should not be used for chronic cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or when there is an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm (flem) with the cough.

Dextromethorphan relieves cough by acting directly on the cough center in the brain.

This medicine is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of this medicine for your medical condition.

Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of dextromethorphan. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

* Asthma—Since dextromethorphan decreases coughing, it makes it difficult to
get rid of the mucus that collects in the lungs and airways during asthma
* Diabetes (sugar diabetes)—Some products contain sugar and may affect
control of blood glucose monitoring
* Liver disease—Dextromethorphan may build up in the body and cause
unwanted effects
* Chronic bronchitis or
* Emphysema or
* Mucus or phlegm with cough—Since dextromethorphan decreases coughing, it makes it difficult to get rid of the mucus that may collect in the lungs and airways with some diseases
* Slowed breathing—Dextromethorphan may slow the rate of breathing even further

Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on a low-sodium, low-sugar, or any other special diet. Most medicines contain more than their active ingredient, and many liquid medicines contain alcohol.

Use
Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor or the directions on the label . Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor or the label says. Although this effect has happened only rarely, dextromethorphan has become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) in some persons who used too much for a long time.

Dosing
The dose of dextromethorphan will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average
doses of dextromethorphan. If your dose is different, do not change it unless
your doctor tells you to do so.

For syrup dosage form For cough
o Adults and children 12 years of age and older—30 mg every six to eight hours,
as needed.
o Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
o Children 2 to 6 years of age—3.5 mg every four hours or 7.5 mg every six to eight hours, as needed.
o Children 6 to 12 years of age—7 mg every four hours or 15 mg every six to eight hours, as needed.

For extended-release oral suspension dosage form For cough

o Adults and children 12 years of age and older—60 mg every twelve hours, as needed.
o Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
o Children 2 to 6 years of age—15 mg every twelve hours, as needed.
o Children 6 to 12 years of age—30 mg every twelve hours, as needed.