Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) Flashcards

Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) Overview

• Classified therapeutically as a cough suppressant, designed to alleviate coughing.
• Falls under the pharmacologic category of non-opioid antitussives, increasing the cough threshold.
• Other notable drug in this class is Benzonatate.

Pregnancy Considerations

• Assigned to Pregnancy Category C, indicating potential risks that should be evaluated.

Clinical Uses

• Primarily used for cough suppression due to allergies or colds.
• May enhance pain relief when combined with opioid medications.

Mechanism of Action

• Functions by acting on the central nervous system (CNS) to elevate the cough threshold, effectively suppressing the cough reflex.

Administration

• Administered orally (PO), allowing for easy intake and absorption.

Contraindications

• Not recommended for chronic cough associated with excessive bronchial secretions like asthma, chronic smoking, or emphysema.
• Contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks.

Adverse Effects

• Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and hallucinations.
• Severe reactions may include slurred speech, euphoria, ataxia, hyperexcitability, stupor, respiratory depression, seizures, and coma.

Drug Interactions

• Risk of hypertensive crisis when combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as a result of CNS excitation.
• Increased sedation risk when used alongside alcohol, opioids, or other CNS depressants.
• Grapefruit juice can elevate drug levels, potentially leading to toxic effects.

Overdose Management

• Naloxone (Narcan) should be administered if sedation or respiratory depression occurs following overdose.

Nursing Implications

• Advise that cough syrups should be swallowed without water for effective throat coating, followed by increased fluid intake after 30 to 60 minutes.
• Do not administer to children under the age of 2 years.
• Benzonatate capsules should not be chewed due to the risk of mouth and throat numbness.
• Monitor patients for dizziness, drowsiness, and respiratory status.
• Watch for adverse effects; encourage assistance when standing up.
• Notify healthcare provider if cough persists or worsens.
• Advise against alcohol consumption while taking the medication.
• Educate patients on supplementary nonpharmacologic measures, such as fluid intake to thin mucus and maintain moisture in the respiratory tract.
• Monitor for any changes in cough severity, sputum color, and consistency.

Test your knowledge on Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) with these flashcards. This quiz covers therapeutic and pharmacologic classifications, pregnancy categories, and uses of the drug. Perfect for students or healthcare professionals wanting to deepen their understanding of this common cough suppressant.