VICKS TOSSE ® is a drug based on dextromethorphan hydrobromide
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Cough suppressants
Indications VICKS TOSSE ® Dextromethorphan
VICKS TOSSE ® is a drug used as a cough suppressant in respiratory diseases of an inflammatory or allergic nature.
Mechanism of action VICKS TOSSE ® Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan, the active ingredient of VICKS TOSSE ®, is a synthetic derivative obtained from active ingredients belonging to the category of opioids, with which, however, it does not share the typical analgesic effects.
Dextromethorphan in fact has a modest sedating activity, most likely related to the ability to increase local concentrations of serotonin, directed in a fairly selective manner towards the nervous center of the cough, whose activation is related to the onset of this symptom.
Consequently, the antitussive activity of this active principle is mainly due to its central action, without interfering with the local mechanisms underlying the cough reflex, the effectiveness of which however determines its wide use in the clinical setting.
From the pharmacokinetic point of view, on the other hand, the good systemic absorption supports the clinical efficacy of the drug, although its hepatic metabolism considerably increases the risk of pharmacologically important interactions.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
DEXTROMETORPHAN AND NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
J Emerg Med. 1999 Mar-Apr; 17: 285-8.
Dextromethorphan- and pseudoephedrine-induced agitated psychosis and ataxia: case report.
Roberge RJ, Hirani KH, Rowland PL 3rd, Berkeley R, Krenzelok EP.
Case report denouncing the appearance of serious side effects, such as ataxia, psychosis and hyperirritability in a pediatric patient treated with cough preparations based on pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan.
PHARMACOGENOMICS OF DESTROMETORPHAN
Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1996 Sep; 60: 295-307.
The influence of CYP2D6 polymorphism and quinidine on the disposition and antitussive effect of dextromethorphan in humans.
Capon DA, Bochner F, Kerry N, Mikus G, Danz C, Somogyi AA.
very interesting pharmacogenomic study which demonstrates how polymorphisms of the gene encoding the cytochromial enzyme CYP2D6 can significantly influence the therapeutic activity of the drug, requiring possible adaptations even in the dosages normally used.
DESTROMETORPHAN AND ITS METABOLITES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1994; 20: 199-203.
Dextrorphan and dextromethorphan: comparative antitussive effects on guinea pigs.
Braga PC, Fossati A, Vimercati MG, Caputo R, Guffanti EE.
An all-Italian experimental study which, evaluating the pharmacokinetic characteristics of dextromethorphan, underlines the possibility of using its metabolites, evidently having antitussive power, in clinical practice, thus reducing the hepatic effort in the metabolism of the drug.
Method of use and dosage
VICKS COUGH ®
133 mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup per 100 ml of syrup.
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets of 7.33 mg.
The typical dosing schedule generally provides for the use of 15 ml of syrup or 2 tablets every 6 hours for adults for a maximum of 3-4 times a day.
An adjustment of dosages and specific therapeutic protocols should instead be established by your doctor in pediatric patients or in patients suffering from particular clinical conditions.
Therapy should not extend beyond 5-7 days of treatment without consulting your doctor.
Warnings VICKS TOSSE ® Dextromethorphan
The use of VICKS TOSSE ®, given the presence of an active principle with sedating and addictive activity and known its characteristic pharmacokinetic properties, should take place after medical consultation.
Particular caution in the use of this drug should be in patients suffering from chronic or persistent respiratory diseases, liver diseases and renal diseases, for which the variation of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Dextromethorphan, could determine the onset of potential side effects.
It is also useful to remember the therapeutic application of Dextromethorphan, oriented exclusively to the control of symptoms, and not to the resolution of the underlying pathology, for which further investigations should be carried out.
VICKS TOSSE ® contains sucrose, therefore its use is contraindicated in patients with sucrase enzyme deficiency, fructose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorption.
It is recommended to store the drug out of the reach of children.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The aforementioned contraindications to the use of VICKS TOSSE ® also extend to pregnancy and the subsequent period of breastfeeding, given the absence of studies capable of fully characterizing the safety profile of the drug for the health of the fetus and infant. .
Interactions
It is recommended to avoid the use of VICKS TOSSE ® during and in the two weeks following the use of MAO inhibiting antidepressants.
Alcohol intake should also be avoided during treatment with Dextromethorphan.
Contraindications VICKS TOSSE ® Dextromethorphan
The use of VICKS TOSSE ® is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active substance or to one of its excipients, in patients with severe liver and kidney diseases and at the same time and in the two weeks following therapy with MAO inhibitor antidepressants.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
Although the use of VICKS TOSSE ® is generally safe and free from clinically important side effects, the patient under treatment may sometimes experience drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dizziness.
Fortunately, the incidence of serious adverse reactions is rarer.
Note
VICKS TOSSE ® is a non-prescription drug.
The information on VICKS TOSSE ® Dextromethorphan published on this page may be out of date or incomplete. For a correct use of this information, see the Disclaimer and useful information page.
