Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine, and Dextromethorphan



Codal-DM [OTC]; Codimal® DM [OTC]; Codituss DM [OTC]; Viravan®-DM







Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine, and Dextromethorphan

(fen il EF rin, peer IL a meen, & deks troe meth OR fan)

U.S. Brand Names
Codal-DM [OTC]; Codimal® DM [OTC]; Codituss DM [OTC]; Viravan®-DM
Pharmacologic Category
Antihistamine; Antihistamine/Decongestant/Antitussive; Antitussive; Sympathomimetic
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to phenylephrine, pyrilamine, dextromethorphan, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Asthma, enlarged prostate gland, glaucoma, heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, intestinal blockage, ulcer disease, or urinary tract blockage.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve allergy symptoms.
How does it work?
  • Phenylephrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages.
  • Pyrilamine blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
  • Dextromethorphan affects the cough center in the brain.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food or liquid. Do not swallow whole.
  • A liquid (suspension, syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake suspension well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 12 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • This medicine is not for coughs due to smoking or lung disease.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Nervous and excitable.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Inability to sleep.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.
  • Severe headache.
  • Persistent cough.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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