Vicks Formula 44

Generic name: Dextromethorphan Liquid and Syrup [ DEX-troe-meth-OR-fan ]
Brand names: Robitussin Maximum Strength, Vicks Formula 44
Drug class: Antitussives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 19, 2024.

Uses of Vicks Formula 44:

• It is used to relieve coughing.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Vicks Formula 44?

• If you have an allergy to dextromethorphan or any other part of Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup).
• If you are allergic to Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup); any part of Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have a long-term cough caused by smoking or being around smoke, or lung problems like asthma or emphysema.
• If you have a cough with a lot of mucus.
• If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Vicks Formula 44?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
• Do not take Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup) for longer than you were told by your doctor.
• If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
• Different brands of Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup) may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup) to a child.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Vicks Formula 44) best taken?

Use Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup). If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup).

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you take Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

Related/similar drugs

benzonatate, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin, Benadryl, dextromethorphan, Mucinex

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What are some other side effects of Vicks Formula 44?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Vicks Formula 44?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Vicks Formula 44 (dextromethorphan liquid and syrup), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Does Mucinex help with Covid?
• Dextromethorphan - can you give TusQ Dx to a child and what is the dose?

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer