Vicks 44 soothing cough relief medicine - dextromethorphan
Written: Nov 30 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: wonderful for a dry hacking cough
Cons: not meant for a mucus producing cough
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| jiastar's Full Review: Vicks 44 |
Why did you purchase this medication?
What did you particularly like or dislike about it?
A few months back I caught a nasty upper respiratory bug. After 2 weeks the infection had passed, thanks to some antibiotics, but I was left with a dry cough that was disturbing my sleep.
I chose Vicks 44 as it was a plain ol' cough suppressant. Most medicines on the shelf contained an expectorant as well, but since I was no longer producing mucus, I didn't need the extra medicine.
I was also attracted to this medicine by the fact that it was labeled effective for up to 8 hours ... just perfect for taking at bedtime. Vicks' most common competitor was only effective for 4 hours.
I would also like to add that both in scent and in flavor, this medication was more pleasant than I was expecting.
How quickly does the medicine take effect? How long does one dose last?
I found that within 20 minutes after taking my first dose my cough was significantly quieter. I was able to sleep through the night peacefully.
During the day, I found that my cough would start to return after about 6 hours. But, that I could usually "hold out" until 8 hours before really needing to take another dose.
I would like to add ...
If you choose to take this medication at night, to calm a mucus producing cough in order to allow sleep, please reconsider. You will probably find that you will feel much worse come morning as the mucus has had time to collect in your respiratory tract. This can also lead to a "simple cold" turning into a more serious condition.
How does this medication compare to others you've used to treat the same condition?
I found that it lived up to its claim of lasting longer than its competitors. It seemed to have a somewhat better flavor, and I enjoyed the fact that it was a thicker quality syrup.
Would you purchase this again? Why or why not?
Yes, most definitely. This is an excellent medication to keep on hand for an annoying dry cough.
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The active ingredient in Vicks 44 is dextromethorphan HBr. Dextromethorphan is an anti-tussive agent, commonly known as a cough suppressant, which works by directly effecting the cough center in the brain.
Please be aware:
-- this medication has not been proven safe for pregnant or nursing mothers. Do not take unless under the direction of your physician.
-- if you are experiencing a fever, producing excessive phlegm, or are bringing up colored mucus, you may have an infection which will require an antibiotic
-- if cough is accompanied by a persistant headache or a rash, please see your physician
-- if cough persists for more than 7 days or gets worse, please see your physician
-- in the case of overdose, please contact poison control immidiately
When you are taking a medication which contains dextromethorphan you need to let your physician aware if you are taking any of the following medications:
Amiodarone (e.g., Cordarone)
Fluoexetine (e.g., Prozac)
Quinidine -- may result in increased side effects of dextromethorphan
Central nervous system depressants (medicines that cause drowsiness)-- The CNS depressant effects of either these medicines or dextromethorphan may be increased
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (furazolidone [e.g., Furoxone], phenelzine [e.g., Nardil], procarbazine [e.g., Matulane], selegiline [e.g., Eldepryl], tranylcypromine [e.g., Parnate]) -- Taking dextromethorphan if you are taking MAO inhibitors or have taken them within the past 2 to 3 weeks may cause coma, dizziness, excited or unusual behavior, fever, high blood pressure, nausea, sluggishness, spasms, and tremors
Smoking tobacco -- as an anti-tussive, dextromethorphan makes it difficult to expel mucus in the lungs, etc. as a result of smoking.
Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:
Asthma, Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Cough producing mucus/phlegm -- Since dextromethorphan decreases coughing, it may increase the difficulty of expelling mucus
Liver disease -- Dextromethorphan is cleared from the body via the liver, damage to this organ can cause this drug to build up in the body
Slowed breathing -- Dextromethorphan may further slow the rate of breathing
As with any drug, this medicine may cause some unwanted side effects.
These symptoms may occur but do not usually require medical attention. Check with your physician if any of the following effects continue or are bothersome:
constipation; dizziness (mild); drowsiness (mild); headache; nausea or vomiting; stomach pain
Please check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following do:
Blurred vision; confusion; difficulty in urination; drowsiness or dizziness; nausea or vomiting (severe); shakiness and unsteady walk; slowed breathing; unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability (severe)
If you should experience any other unusual symptoms, check with your doctor.
Some information taken from:
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/dextromethorphansystemic202187.html
Recommended:
Yes
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jiastar
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Location: Monmouth County, NJ
Reviews written: 368
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