Question

A 45-year-old female client is being seen in the health care provider's office for a dry, hacking cough that is keeping her up at night. The provider prescribes dextromethorphan for the cough. Which statement is true about dextromethorphan?

Answer 1

Answer:

Dextromethorphan works in the medulla to suppress the cough reflex.

Explanation:

This medicine is sold in many forms, like syrup, tablets and spray.  It helps with suppressing the coughing. It works on the signals in the brain that are triggers for coughing reflex. This type of medicine is used to treat coughing, but only if it's not triggered by smoking, asthma or emphysema. One should be very careful with dosing it, as it has numerous side effects, like: dizziness, vomiting, nervousness, diarrhea, etc.