|  | Conditions Treatments | Illness

Tussin Side Effects

Tussin is a medication available over the counter that is used to provide relief from the common cold, chest congestion and bronchitis. Tussin should be used only as a short-term treatment option, and should not be used to treat long-term health issues or a cough caused by smoking. Tussin is classified as an expectorant. Expectorants thin the mucus in the respiratory system and make breathing easier for the person with respiratory congestion. Tussin should be used only by adults and children over the age 12, unless otherwise directed by a physician.

  1. Nausea

    • Using Tussin may cause nausea. The nausea should gradually go away approximately an hour after taking the Tussin. The body will quickly develop a tolerance to Tussin. If a user of Tussin experiences nausea on a regular basis, a different medication should be considered. Another option is to contact your doctor for an anti-emetic, which is a drug used to treat nausea.

    Drowsiness

    • Some users of Tussin may experience drowsiness. Even taking the dosage amount on the label may cause some drowsiness, and taking too much can cause severe drowsiness. Use caution when taking Tussin if you will be operating a vehicle or performing another task that requires clear thinking. In the case of extreme drowsiness, contact a doctor immediately as it is a sign of an overdose.

    Constipation

    • You may experience constipation when taking Tussin. Using a laxative or a stool softener will help to relieve constipation. Stopping use of the Tussin will cause the constipation to subside in most cases. Employing a diet high in fiber is also recommended for those taking Tussin, as it will aid in keeping bowel movements regular. The ingestion of more fluids will also help to relieve the constipation.

    Mental Effects

    • An extreme overdose of Tussin can lead to delirium and hallucinations. The ingredient in Tussin that causes these side effects is dextromethorpan. A doctor should be contacted immediately if delirium or hallucinations are experienced. These side effects can be easily avoided by following the dosage information.

    Drug Interactions

    • Use of alcohol should be avoided while taking Tussin. Using alcohol with it will cause extreme drowsiness. Some preparations of Tussin contain acetaminophen, which is a common over-the-counter pain medication. Acetaminophen can cause damage to the liver when too much is taken. If you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) while taking Tussin, the effects of the MAOI drug will increase.

Illness - Related Articles