Dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol

Generic name: dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol [ DEX-troe-meth-OR-fan-and-HEX-il-re-SOR-si-nol ]
Brand name: Mucinex Instasoothe Sore Throat Plus Cough Relief
Dosage form: mucous membrane lozenge (5 mg-2 mg)
Drug class: Mouth and throat products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol?

Dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol is a combination medicine used in adults and children at least 6 years old to treat cough, pain due to a sore mouth or sore throat, and pain due to canker sores.

Dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol side effects

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

dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol may cause serious side effects. Stop using dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol and call your doctor at once if you have:

• irritation, redness;

• swelling, pain; or

• cough that comes back with fever, rash, or a headache that does not go away.

Common side effects of dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol may include:

• drowsiness;

• constipation; or

• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Do not use this medicine if you are using or 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, and tranylcypromine.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol if you are using or 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, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• asthma or COPD, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema;

• chronic bronchitis; or

• a cough with mucus.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use.

Do not give this medicine to children younger than 6 years old. Follow all directions when giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.

Allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth. Do not use this medicine more often than directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Call your doctor if your sore throat is severe and does not improve in 2 days and you have a fever, rash, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or headaches.

Stop using dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days and you have irritation, pain, redness, swelling, or cough that comes back with fever, rash, or a headache that does not go away.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

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 using dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol?

Drinking alcohol with dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol can cause side effects.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicines that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

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

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