VICKS TOSSE ® Dextromethorphan

VICKS TOSSE ® is a drug based on dextromethorphan bromidhydrate

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Cough sedatives

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications VICKS TOSSE ® Dextromethorphan

VICKS TOSSE ® is a drug used as a cough suppressant in inflammatory or allergic diseases.

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.

In fact Dextromethorphan is endowed with 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 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 at the base of the cough reflex, whose effectiveness however determines its wide use in the clinical setting.

From the pharmacokinetic point of view, on the other hand, good systemic absorption supports the clinical efficacy of the drug, although its hepatic metabolism greatly increases the risk of pharmacologically important interactions.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

DESTROMETORPHAN AND NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

J Emerg Med. 1999 Mar-Apr; 17 (2): 285-8.

Case report that reports the appearance of serious side effects, such as ataxia, psychosis and hyper-irritability in a pediatric patient treated with cough preparations based on pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan.

DESTROMETORPHAN PHARMACOGENOMICS

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1996 Sep; 60 (3): 295-307.

very interesting pharmacogenomic study that 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.

DESTROMETORPHANUS AND ITS METABOLITES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1994; 20 (5): 199-203.

All-Italian experimental study, which evaluates the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Dextromethorphan emphasizes the possibility of using also its metabolites, evidently with antitussive power, in clinical practice, thus reducing the hepatic commitment in the metabolism of the drug.

Method of use and dosage

VICKS TOSSE ®

133 mg syrup of dextromethorphan bromidhydrate per 100 ml of syrup.

Dextromethorphan bromide hydrochloride 7.33 mg tablets.

The typical dosing schedule generally provides, for adults, the use of 15 ml of syrup or 2 tablets every 6 hours 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 last longer than 5-7 days of treatment without consulting with your doctor.

Warnings VICKS TOSSE ® Dextromethorphan

The use of VICKS TOSSE ®, given the presence of an active ingredient with sedating and addictive activity and its characteristic pharmacokinetic properties, should take place after medical consultation.

Particular caution in the use of this drug, should in patients suffering from chronic or persistent respiratory pathologies, liver pathologies and renal pathologies, for which, the variation of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the Dextromethorphan, could determine the onset of potential side effects.

It is also useful to remember the therapeutic application of Dextromethorphan, directed exclusively to the control of symptoms, and not to the resolution of the basic pathology, for which further investigations should be carried out.

VICKS TOSSE ® contains sucrose, therefore its use is contraindicated in patients suffering from saccharase enzyme deficiency, fructose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorption.

It is advisable to keep the medicine 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 able to fully characterize 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 two weeks after the use of MAO inhibitor antidepressants.

It would also be necessary to avoid alcohol intake during treatment with dextromethorphan.

Contraindications VICKS TOSSE ® Dextromethorphan

The use of VICKS TOSSE ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active substance or to one of its excipients, in patients suffering from severe liver and kidney diseases and contextually and in the two weeks following therapy with antidepressant MAO inhibitors.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Despite the use of VICKS TOSSE ® is generally safe and free of clinically important side effects, the patient in therapy may sometimes experience drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dizziness.

Fortunately, the incidence of serious adverse reactions is rarer.