DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Chlorpheniramine/Dextromethorphan/Pseudoephedrine Suspension (klor-fen-EER-a-meen/dex-troe-meth-OR-fan/sue-doe-eh-FED-rin)
Brand Name: Examples include Duotan DM and T-Tanna DM

Duotan DM Suspension is used for:

Relieving symptoms of sinus congestion, runny nose, sneezing, cough due to colds, upper respiratory infections, and allergies. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Duotan DM Suspension is a decongestant, antihistamine, and cough suppressant combination. It works by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nasal passages. The antihistamine works by blocking the action of histamine, which helps reduce symptoms, such as watery eyes and sneezing, while the cough suppressant works in the brain to help decrease the cough reflex to reduce a dry cough.

Do NOT use Duotan DM Suspension if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Duotan DM Suspension
• you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, rapid heartbeat, or severe heart problems
• you are unable to urinate or are having an asthma attack
• you take sodium oxybate (GHB) or you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Duotan DM Suspension:

Some medical conditions may interact with Duotan DM Suspension. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• if you have a history of adrenal gland problems (eg, adrenal gland tumor); heart problems; high blood pressure; diabetes; blood vessel problems; stroke; glaucoma; a blockage of your stomach, bladder, or intestines; ulcers; trouble urinating; an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems; seizures; or an overactive thyroid
• if you have a history of asthma, chronic cough, lung problems (eg, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or if your cough occurs with large amounts of mucus

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Duotan DM Suspension. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, tolcapone), furazolidone, indomethacin, MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), sodium oxybate (GHB), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the side effects of Duotan DM Suspension may be increased
• Digoxin or droxidopa because the risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack may be increased
• Bromocriptine or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because side effects may be increased by Duotan DM Suspension
• Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Duotan DM Suspension

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Duotan DM Suspension may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Duotan DM Suspension:

Use Duotan DM Suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Duotan DM Suspension may be taken with or without food.
• Shake well before using.
• Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• If you miss a dose of Duotan DM Suspension, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Duotan DM Suspension.

Important safety information:

• Duotan DM Suspension may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Duotan DM Suspension. Using Duotan DM Suspension alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Do not take diet or appetite control medicines while you are taking Duotan DM Suspension without checking with your doctor.
• Duotan DM Suspension contains chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine. Before you begin taking any new prescription or nonprescription medicine, read the ingredients to see if it also contains chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, or pseudoephedrine. If it does or if you are uncertain, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do NOT exceed the recommended dose or take Duotan DM Suspension for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• If your symptoms do not improve within 5 to 7 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Duotan DM Suspension may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Duotan DM Suspension. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
• If you are scheduled for allergy skin testing, do not take Duotan DM Suspension for several days before the test because it may decrease your response to the skin tests.
• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Duotan DM Suspension.
• Use Duotan DM Suspension with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Caution is advised when using Duotan DM Suspension in CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Duotan DM Suspension, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Duotan DM Suspension during pregnancy. It is unknown if Duotan DM Suspension is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Duotan DM Suspension.

Possible side effects of Duotan DM Suspension:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; tremor; trouble sleeping; vision changes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; confusion; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; vomiting.

Proper storage of Duotan DM Suspension:

Store Duotan DM Suspension at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Duotan DM Suspension out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Duotan DM Suspension, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Duotan DM Suspension is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Duotan DM Suspension. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.