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Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Cough suppressants Cough suppressants Adult, Children

Cough suppressants - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Cough suppressants cause?

  • Some cough suppressants may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
    • Avoid driving, operating machinery or other activities which require concentration if affected.
  • Common side effects of cough suppressants may include nausea or vomiting, stomach upset and constipation.
    • These effects are usually mild and will pass quickly.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. 

Before taking Cough suppressants , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to cough suppressants or any of the other ingredients of cough suppressants
  • You are taking any long term medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
  • You have history of asthma, lung diseases, difficulty urinating, seizures, high blood pressure, heart or liver diseases.
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Cough suppressants ?

​Do let your healthcare professional know if you are taking any other long term medications, especially medications for mood disorders (e.g. Fluvoxamine), seizures (e.g. Phenytoin), runny nose (e.g. chlorpheniramine), muscle relaxants (e.g. Orphenadrine), sleeping pills (e.g. Lorazepam).

Cough suppressants - Additional Information

​Signs that your condition may require further medical attention include:

  • Cough with thick yellow or green phlegm or mucus, or blood
  • Fever more than 38.6⁰C
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Drenching night sweats
  • Cough lasting for longer than 3-4 weeks
  • Cough that happens after your start a new medication
  • Development of new symptoms during self-treatment

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. 

  • Tags: Cough suppressants
  • Updated on 2/28/2021 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

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