carbetapentane

Generic name: carbetapentane [ kar-bay-ta-PEN-tane ]
Brand name: solotuss
Drug class: Antitussives

What is carbetapentane?

Carbetapentane is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Carbetapentane is used to treat cough that is caused by the common cold, flu, or allergies.

Carbetapentane will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Carbetapentane may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about carbetapentane?

Do not use carbetapentane if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carbetapentane?

You should not use carbetapentane if you are allergic to it.

To make sure carbetapentane is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

heart disease or high blood pressure;
circulation problems;
glaucoma;
an enlarged prostate or problems with urination;
diabetes; or
a thyroid disorder.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether carbetapentane will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether carbetapentane passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Artificially sweetened liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take carbetapentane?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine 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 2 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.

You may take carbetapentane with or without food.

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

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

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since carbetapentane is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking carbetapentane?

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cough or cold medicine. Cough suppressants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medicine. Check the label to see if a medicine contains a cough suppressant.

Carbetapentane side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using carbetapentane and call your doctor at once if you have:

confusion, hallucinations;
severe drowsiness; or
seizure (convulsions).

Common side effects may include:

nausea, upset stomach;
dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;
problems with balance or coordination;
anxiety; or
mild skin rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Carbetapentane dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Cough:

Carbetapentane 30 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
5 to 10 mL orally every 12 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough:

Carbetapentane 30 mg/5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
2 to 5 years: 1.25 mL to 2.5 mL orally every 12 hours.
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mL to 5 mL orally every 12 hours.
12 years or older: 5 mL to 10 mL orally every 12 hours.

What other drugs will affect carbetapentane?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking carbetapentane with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

More about carbetapentane

Related treatment guides

Cough

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer