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Dextromethorphan / phenylephrine / pyrilamine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Aldex DM, Codal-DM Syrup, Codimal DM, Codituss DM, Deconsal DM, Deconsal DM Tannate, MyHist-DM, Pryil DM, Reme Hist DM, Ru-Hist Plus, Tannate V DM, Triplex DM, V-Tan DM, Viratan-DM, Viravan-DM, Zotex-12

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 6, 2023.

Dextromethorphan / phenylephrine / pyrilamine Pregnancy Warnings

Dextromethorphan/phenylephrine/pyrilamine has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies on the combination product dextromethorphan/phenylephrine/pyrilamine have not been conducted. Animal studies on dextromethorphan have revealed evidence of teratogenicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Dextromethorphan/phenylephrine/pyrilamine should only be given during pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks.

See references

Dextromethorphan / phenylephrine / pyrilamine Breastfeeding Warnings

There are no data on the excretion of the combination product dextromethorphan/phenylephrine/pyrilamine into human milk. Small amounts of phenylephrine are secreted in breast milk. Dextromethorphan/phenylephrine/pyrilamine is considered contraindicated during breast-feeding by the manufacturer.

Based on the low molecular weight of dextromethorphan, some passage into breast milk probably occurs. However, maternal use of dextromethorphan products that do not contain alcohol are probably safe to use during breast-feeding.

See references

References for pregnancy information

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Benylin DM (dextromethorphan)." Warner Lambert Consumer Healthcare
  2. Andaloro VJ, Monaghan DT, Rosenquist TH (1998) "Dextromethorphan and other N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists are teratogenic in the avian embryo model." Pediatr Res, 43, p. 1-7
  3. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ.. (1998) "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins
  4. Einarson A, Lyszkiewicz D, Koren G (2001) "The safety of dextromethorphan in pregnancy - Results of a controlled study." Chest, 119, p. 466-9
  5. Debus O, Kurlemann G, Gehrmann J, Krasemann T (2001) "Dextromethorphan in pregnancy." Chest, 120, p. 1038-40
  6. (2003) "Product Information. Viravan-DM (dextromethorphan/phenylephrine/pyrilamine)." PediaMed Pharmaceuticals Inc
  7. (2005) "Product Information. Lusonal (phenylephrine)." WraSer Pharmaceuticals
  8. (2005) "Product Information. Codal-DM Syrup (dextromethorphan/phenylephrine/pyrilamine)." Cypress Pharmaceutical Inc

References for breastfeeding information

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Benylin DM (dextromethorphan)." Warner Lambert Consumer Healthcare
  2. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ.. (1998) "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins
  3. (2003) "Product Information. Viravan-DM (dextromethorphan/phenylephrine/pyrilamine)." PediaMed Pharmaceuticals Inc
  4. (2005) "Product Information. Lusonal (phenylephrine)." WraSer Pharmaceuticals
  5. (2005) "Product Information. Codal-DM Syrup (dextromethorphan/phenylephrine/pyrilamine)." Cypress Pharmaceutical Inc

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.