Dextromethorphan overdose

Definition

Poisoning from an overdose of dextromethorphan.

Poisonous Ingredient

• dextromethorphan

Where Found

• Robitussin DM
• Triaminic DM
• Rondec DM
• Benylin DM
• Drixoral
• St. Joseph Cough Suppressant

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• body as a whole
  o muscle spasticity
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o low blood pressure
  
• respiratory
  o breathing slow and labored
  o breathing shallow
  o no breathing
  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o blurred vision
  
• skin
  o bluish colored fingernails and lips
  
• gastrointestinal
  o spasms of the stomach and/or intestinal tract
  o nausea
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o rapid heart beat
  o high blood pressure
  
• nervous system
  o drowsiness
  o dizziness
  o hallucinations
  

Home Treatment
Call Poison Control.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  
• the time it was swallowed
  
• the amount swallowed
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Use gastric lavage.
  
• Administer activated charcoal.
  
• Give a counteracting (narcotic antagonist)-multiple doses if needed.
  
• Administer intravenous fluids as needed.