Uses

What is Atussin® used for?

Atussin® is commonly used for treating coughs due to the common cold, flu, tuberculosis, bronchitis, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, pharyngitis, laryngitis, an infection of your trachea, trachea bronchitis, pleural irritation, excessive smoking, inhalation of irritating substances and psychogenic cough (habit cough).

Atussin® is also used to treat symptoms caused by allergies, including itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, skin rash and irritations.

How should I take Atussin®?

To use Atussin® tablets properly:

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food, swallow tablet with a glass of water.

To use Atussin® syrup properly:

Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
It is crucial to measure carefully the dose by using a special measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Atussin® syrup.

How do I store Atussin®?

Atussin® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Atussin® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Atussin® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Atussin® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Atussin®?

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist, if:

You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Atussin® or other medications.
You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Do not use if you are taking IMAOs.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There isn’t enough information about the safety of using Atussin® during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Atussin®.

However, there have been reports suggesting a possibility of human fetal abnormalities resulting from the use of other kinds of antihistamines, a causal relationship has largely been rejected.

Always consult your health care provider prior to using Atussin® if you are pregnant, breastfeeding.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Atussin®?

Atussin® may cause these side effects, such as:

Sedative effects, varying from slight drowsiness to deep sleep may occur but may diminish after a few days
Other side effects: mild gastrointestinal disorder and central nervous system

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Atussin®?

Atussin® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Does food or alcohol interact with Atussin®?

Atussin® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Atussin®?

Atussin® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, especially:

Hypertension
Asthma
Respiratory depression
Angle-closure glaucoma
Retention of urine due to dysfunction of urethral prostate

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.

What is the dose of Atussin® for an adult?

Usual dose of adults and children >12 years: 1-2 tablets.

Doses to be taken orally every 6-8 hours.

What is the dose of Atussin® for a child?

Usual dose:

7-12 years:10 ml (2 teaspoonful),
2-6 years:5 ml (1 teaspoonful),
Infants:25-2.5 ml (¼-½ teaspoonful).
Doses to be taken orally every 6-8 hours.

How is Atussin® available?

Atussin® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

Atussin® tablet: dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, chlorpheniramine maleate 1 mg, sodium citrate 133 mg, ammonium Cl 50 mg, glyceryl guaiacolate 50 mg.
Atussin® syrup 5 ml: dextromethorphan hydrobromide 5 mg, chlorpheniramine maleate 1.33 mg, sodium citrate 133 mg, ammonium chloride 50 mg and glyceryl guaiacolate 50 mg.

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Atussin®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.