Capron DM
Capron DM is a combination of two medications: dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) and pyrilamine (an antihistamine). It can be taken by adults and children to help ease symptoms of allergies and the common cold, such as cough, runny nose, and itchy throat. Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) is taken by mouth, typically every 6 to 8 hours. It's available over the counter and comes as an oral liquid and a tablet. Possible side effects of this medication include dizziness and sleepiness.
What is Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine)?
What is Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) used for?
Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold:
Cough
Runny nose
Itchy or watery eyes
Itching of the nose and throat
How Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) works
Capron DM is a combination of two medications that work together to relieve symptoms caused by allergies and the common cold.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant (antitussive). It's thought to work in the brain to lower your urge to cough.
Pyrilamine is an antihistamine. It blocks a natural substance in your body called histamine that normally causes allergy symptoms. By blocking histamine, pyrilamine lessens inflammation (swelling) and relieves runny or itchy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
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What are the side effects of Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine)?
Common Side Effects
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Blurry vision
- Dry mouth
Other Side Effects
- Stomach upset
- Trouble urinating
Serious Side Effects
- Excessive sleepiness or dizziness
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, confusion
- Signs of an overdose: seizures, heart rhythm problems, hallucinations, loss of consciousness
Source:Â DailyMed
Pros and cons of Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine)
Pros
Can treat a wide variety of allergy and common cold symptoms
Available over the counter
Available as a tablet and a liquid
More convenient to take because it's a combination of two medications
Cons
Might need to take multiple times a day
Can't change the dose of a single ingredient if needed because it's a combination medication
Can make you sleepy and dizzy
Might not be the best choice for people over 65 years old; people with glaucoma; or people with breathing, heart, or urinary problems
Pharmacist tips for Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine)
You can take Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking the medication with food.
For Capron DM liquid: Make sure to use a medication dose cup or a syringe to measure your dose. Don't use household spoons because they're not accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.
Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) can keep you awake or make you sleepy or dizzy. Don't drive until you know how the medication affects you.
While Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) usually makes adults sleepy, it's possible for children who use Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) to become overly excited or energetic. If this happens to your child, speak to your child's pediatrician.
Don't start any new medications while taking Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine), especially other cough suppressants (antitussives) or antihistamines, without talking to your primary care provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of taking too much medication and severe side effects, including breathing problems and dizziness.
Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) shouldn't be taken with certain medications for mood, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). This combination can raise your risk for severe side effects, such as serotonin syndrome, daytime sleepiness, and dizziness. If you've taken an MAOI in the last 14 days, don't use Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine). Contact your primary care provider for other options to treat your allergy or common cold symptoms.
Stop using Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) and contact your primary care provider if your cough lasts longer than 1 week, tends to keep coming back, or is present with a fever, rash, or headache, or any other new symptoms appear. These might be signs of a more serious medical condition.
Frequently asked questions about Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine)
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What are the risks and warnings for Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine)?
Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Serotonin syndrome
Risk factors: Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) 14 days before starting Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) | Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in your brain
Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition where there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood. Your risk for serotonin syndrome goes up if you use Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs. Make sure your primary care provider knows about all the medications you take before starting Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) and don't start any new medications while taking Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) without letting your pharmacist or primary care provider know. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Seek medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Sleepiness
Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Age 65 and older
Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) can make you very sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you're over 65 years old, drink alcohol while you're taking this medication, or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medications). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) affects you.
Accidental overdose
Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) contains a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) and an antihistamine (pyrilamine), which are in many other over-the-counter products. Using more than one medication containing a cough suppressant and antihistamine, including products used on the skin, can lead to an accidental overdose. This can result in serious side effects, including trouble breathing, sleepiness, dizziness, and seizures.
Tell your primary care provider or pharmacist about the medications you take before starting Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) to make sure it's safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) without talking to your care team. To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has a cough suppressant or an antihistamine, ask your pharmacist. If you or your loved one experiences an accidental overdose, get medical help right away.
Worsening of medical conditions
Risk factors: Cough from smoking, asthma, or emphysema | Mucus-producing cough | Heart disease | Thyroid problems | High blood sugar (diabetes) | Urinary problems
Don't take Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your primary care provider said it's safe to do so. Taking Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your primary care provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine).
Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5mg/7.5mg | 240 ml | $20.18 | $0.08 |
Typical dosing for Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine)
Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) liquid: Each 5 mL contains 7.5 mg of dextromethorphan and 7.5 mg of pyrilamine.
People ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is 20 mL by mouth every 6 to 8 hours. Don't take more than 80 mL in a 24-hour period, or as directed by your primary care provider (PCP).
Children ages 6 years to under 12 years: The typical dose is 10 mL by mouth every 6 to 8 hours. Don't take more than 40 mL in a 24-hour period, or as directed by your child's pediatrician.
Children under 6 years old: Ask your child's pediatrician.
Capron DMT (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) tablets: Each tablet contains 30 mg of dextromethorphan and 30 mg of pyrilamine.
People ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth every 6 to 8 hours.
Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's pediatrician.
How much does Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) cost?
Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine) contraindications
Have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days
What are alternatives to Capron DM (dextromethorphan / pyrilamine)?
Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold:
Cough
Runny nose
Itchy or watery eyes
Itching of the nose and throat
Cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)
Runny nose
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Itching
Cough
Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy or watery eyes
Itching of the nose and throat
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References
Best studies we foundCapital Pharma. (2024). Capron DMT- dextromethorphan hbr and pyrilamine maleate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Capital Pharmaceutical, LLC. (2023). Capron DM- dextromethorphan hbr and pyrilamine maleate liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.
Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Narcotics.
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