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Capron DM

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Capron DM

Capron DM_EN

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Capron DM

This section provides a precise, factual definition of Capron DM, confirming its identity, composition, and pharmacological classification for informational clarity.

Property Description
Active Ingredients Dextromethorphan (antitussive) and Pyrilamine (antihistamine)
Form Oral liquid and tablet
Pharmacological Class Upper respiratory combination
General Purpose Relief of cough and allergy symptoms
Origin Synthetic compounds

What Type of Medicine is Capron DM?

Capron DM is classified as an upper respiratory combination product, which means it integrates two distinct synthetic compounds to treat multiple symptoms simultaneously. The preparation is strictly designed for the oral route of administration and is typically available to consumers in two primary dosage forms: an oral liquid (syrup or solution base) and a solid tablet format. This combination is clinically recognized for addressing the dual pathology of colds and allergies by affecting two separate physiological pathways, making it a comprehensive solution for symptomatic care during complex cold or allergy presentations.

What is Capron DM Made Of? The Dual Active Ingredients

The core composition of Capron DM is defined by the combination of two active ingredients: Dextromethorphan hydrobromide and Pyrilamine maleate. Dextromethorphan is recognized pharmacologically as an antitussive (cough suppressant), a synthetic agent confirmed to work centrally to reduce the urge to cough. This confirms the agent is effective at raising the cough threshold. Pyrilamine is a first-generation antihistamine that operates as an H1 receptor antagonist. This specific pairing of a cough suppressant and an antihistamine is a defining feature, with the active agents combined either in an aqueous base/vehicle (for the liquid form) or pressed with solid excipients (for the tablet form).

What is the General Purpose of This Combination Drug?

The general purpose of Capron DM is to provide targeted, synergistic relief from a cluster of acute, non-fever symptoms common during upper respiratory allergies and the common cold. This is achieved through the dual mechanism of cough suppression and histamine blockade. By combining an antitussive and an antihistamine, the medicine simultaneously reduces persistent coughing and alleviates histamine-driven allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. The use of this type of combination product is recognized for its ability to treat multiple aspects of the cold syndrome efficiently. This highlights the efficiency of combining treatments for multiple cold symptoms.

Regulatory References

  1. Capron DM - DailyMed (NIH)

What side effects are possible with Capron DM?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section summarizes the officially documented adverse reactions and safety restrictions for Capron DM, a combination product containing an antihistamine and a cough suppressant.

Common and Clinically Significant Side Effects

Commonly Reported Effects: The most frequent side effects involve the Nervous System and may include drowsiness, dizziness, or nervousness. In children, a higher risk of excitability or restlessness has been documented.

Anticholinergic Effects: This medicine may cause anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and difficulty or inability to urinate (urinary retention).

Serious Adverse Reactions

Immediate Medical Attention Required: Seek emergency medical help for signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat) or symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome (fast heart rate, sweating, confusion, muscle stiffness/spasms, fever). Other serious reactions include severe drowsiness, little or no urinating, or feeling light-headed.

Safety Restrictions and Population-Specific Cautions

Contraindications: Capron DM is contraindicated for use in individuals who have taken a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, or tranylcypromine, within the past 14 days, due to the potential for a dangerous drug interaction (Serotonin Syndrome).

Population Cautions: Use with caution in certain populations, including older adults (increased sensitivity to drowsiness and confusion), and individuals with pre-existing conditions such as glaucoma, a breathing problem (e.g., emphysema or chronic bronchitis), or difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate). The misuse of this drug, particularly using it solely to make a child sleepy, may lead to serious harm, especially in very young children.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory documentation mandates seeking immediate medical attention or contacting a Poison Control Center right away if an overdose of this combination product is suspected. Urgent medical care is required if the person has experienced a seizure, has trouble breathing or slowed breathing, or cannot be awakened (loss of consciousness).

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Overdose manifestations, based on official labeling, reflect both CNS and cardiovascular toxicity. Documented clinical signs may include a spectrum of CNS effects, ranging from severe drowsiness and somnolence to hyperexcitability, hallucinations, confusion, and ataxia (uncoordinated movements). Anticholinergic signs, such as urinary retention and blurred vision, are also documented.

Severe Outcomes and Management

Serious, life-threatening outcomes described in regulatory documents include respiratory depression, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. The potential for Serotonin Syndrome is also noted, characterized by symptoms like muscle spasms and confusion. Management, as officially described, is based on symptomatic and supportive treatment, with potential interventions such as activated charcoal or close monitoring with an Electrocardiogram (ECG) due to cardiac risk. Official labeling also notes the increased risk of convulsions and excitability in children following overdose.

Therapeutic Uses of Capron DM

What Capron DM Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Capron DM is commonly used for the temporary relief of symptoms due to the common cold, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or other upper respiratory allergies. This dual-action approach is relevant in contexts involving both persistent dry cough and allergic irritation.

The medication is generally applied across conditions characterized by acute episodes of upper respiratory manifestations. It provides supportive relief when groups of symptoms create noticeable interference with daily comfort, helping to ease the overall symptom burden in acute episodes. The symptomatic domains it helps manage include persistent non-productive cough, sneezing, runny nose (rhinorrhea), and itching of the throat and eyes.

The therapeutic focus is on addressing symptoms related to irritative states and managing histamine-driven allergic flare-ups. The medication plays a role in managing cough, which may assist with maintaining functional stability and contributes to easing the overall symptom load during periods of heightened symptoms. It offers symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations.

“This combination is commonly used to support patients experiencing the simultaneous discomfort of cough and histamine-related symptoms.”

Quick Fact: Support for Persistent Dry Cough and Histamine-Driven Irritation

Regulatory References

  1. Label: CAPRON DM- dextromethorphan hbr and pyrilamine maleate liquid - DailyMed

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

This information is derived from official governmental regulatory documents (e.g., FDA, NIH DailyMed) and details the official population eligibility and non-eligibility for Capron DM (dextromethorphan HBr and pyrilamine maleate).

Populations that Must Not Use Capron DM (Contraindicated)

  • Patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to dextromethorphan, pyrilamine, or any component in the product.
  • Patients who are currently taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) or who have discontinued an MAOI within the last 14 days.

Age and Conditional Restrictions

  • Children under 2 years of age should consult a doctor before use.
  • Children 2 to under 6 years should generally not use this product unless directed by a healthcare professional (often designated as "For Professional Use Only" in the liquid formulation).
  • The medicine should not be used for a persistent or chronic cough (such as from smoking, asthma, or emphysema) or a cough with excessive phlegm unless directed by a doctor.

Patients Requiring Professional Consultation

Patients with certain pre-existing health conditions must ask a doctor before use, as use may be restricted or conditional. These include:

  • Glaucoma
  • Breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis)
  • Difficulty in urination due to enlargement of the prostate gland
  • Heart disease, thyroid disease, or diabetes
  • Pregnant or breast-feeding individuals must consult a health professional before use.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Capron DM, a combination product containing dextromethorphan and pyrilamine, has officially documented interactions that restrict its use with specific medicinal product classes and other substances.

Interaction Domain Interacting Product Category Regulatory Constraint
Serotonin-Affecting Agents Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) DO NOT USE concurrently or within 14 days of stopping the MAOI.
CNS Depression Alcohol, Sedatives, Tranquilizers Increased drowsiness, requiring caution when operating machinery or driving.

Official Interaction Statements

  • The product is contraindicated in patients currently taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or within 14 days of stopping such a drug. This prohibition includes MAOIs prescribed for depression (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine), psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease (e.g., selegiline, rasagiline). It also applies to specific drugs such as linezolid or methylene blue.
  • The concurrent use of this medicine with other sedatives or tranquilizers may increase the depressant effects of both agents, potentially leading to marked drowsiness, as noted on the official labeling.
  • Official documents explicitly state that the consumption of alcoholic beverages must be avoided while using this medicine due to the increased risk of drowsiness and reduced alertness caused by the active ingredients.

Connection to the overall interaction profile: Official regulatory information primarily defines the interaction profile of Capron DM by imposing a mandatory 14-day washout period for MAOIs before the medicine can be used, classifying this as a major restriction. Additionally, the label identifies a clinically significant interaction with other CNS depressants and alcohol, which requires precautions related to cognitive and motor impairment.

Mechanism of Action

Cough Threshold Modulation via Central sigma-1 Receptor Agonism

This domain covers the antitussive mechanism where Dextromethorphan acts centrally as an Agonist on Sigma-1 (sigma-1) receptors located in the medullary cough center. This engagement suppresses the transmission of nerve impulses in the reflex arc, resulting in the elevation of the cough threshold and a functional decrease in the signaling that drives the cough reflex.

Histamine Signaling Pathway Blockade ( H1 Antagonism)

The antihistamine component, Pyrilamine, operates by Competitive Antagonism at Histamine H1 receptors on peripheral and central tissue. This action blocks histamine's ability to trigger downstream effects like increased capillary permeability and sensory nerve stimulation, altering the physiological consequences of histamine-driven pathway activation.

Autonomic Control of Secretions (Anticholinergic Effect)

A secondary effect of Pyrilamine involves Antagonism at Muscarinic Acetylcholine receptors that control exocrine glands. By interfering with the Cholinergic/Parasympathetic pathway, this mechanism reduces the neural stimulus for fluid production, resulting in the modulation of glandular fluid output in the upper respiratory tract.

Complementary Central and Peripheral Action

The drug's physiological profile results from the complementary interaction of its two mechanisms: Dextromethorphan modulates the central reflex pathway, while Pyrilamine modulates the peripheral secretory and inflammatory pathways. This enables the concurrent modulation of the central reflex pathway and the peripheral effector pathways.

Dosage and Administration Information

Capron DM is approved for oral administration and is available in both a tablet (e.g., 30 mg Dextromethorphan / 30 mg Pyrilamine) and an oral liquid (e.g., 7.5 mg/5 mL) form. The medicine is taken on a fixed-interval schedule, with instructions specifying the product is intended for short-term, temporary use.

The standard single dose for adults and adolescents (ages 12 and older) is 30 mg of each active ingredient, which is administered every 6 to 8 hours. Under no circumstances should the total number of doses exceed four within a 24-hour period. When administering the oral liquid, it is a procedural requirement to measure the dose using a specialized dosing device for accuracy, and the medicine may be administered irrespective of meal times.

Product labeling establishes specific lower-dose schedules for pediatric populations. Children ages 6 to under 12 are prescribed a lower quantity (15 mg/15 mg) every 6 to 8 hours. The use of the liquid form for children ages 2 to under 6 is specified in the label as being For Professional Use Only, requiring a still lower dose of 7.5 mg/7.5 mg per administration. For children under the age of two, guidelines state that a doctor must be consulted prior to use.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Capron DM

This overview is a patient-friendly summary of the research evidence and study patterns related to Capron DM, a combination of a cough suppressant and an antihistamine, focusing only on how the evidence was generated and what aspects remain insufficiently characterized. The findings describe group patterns and are not individual predictions.

Evidence for Acute Symptoms of the Common Cold and Upper Respiratory Allergies

The research base primarily consists of short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and analyses that aggregate findings from many different studies (systematic reviews). These studies monitor outcomes related to physical discomfort and outcomes capturing phases of heightened symptom activity, such as sneezing, runny nose, and overall symptom scores. Findings describe patterns observed in these studies, which, in some reports, described patterns of change in acute symptom scores during the observation period. The research provides context for the broader evidence landscape related to short-term symptom patterns.

Evidence for Persistent, Non-Productive Cough

The research base for the antitussive component (Dextromethorphan) was evaluated in studies focusing on episodes where symptoms become more noticeable. These studies were primarily RCTs comparing the component to a placebo in adults experiencing a non-productive cough associated with a respiratory infection. Research so far indicates that while some studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, showing a pattern related to changes in measured cough frequency. Other trials reported smaller or non-significant differences in the measured outcomes, highlighting the limited insight available for a conclusive pattern.

Long-Term Data and Follow-Up Duration

Since Capron DM is applied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms typical of short-term illnesses, the evidence is designed for temporary use. Follow-up durations were limited, typically spanning only a few days of use, and do not extend to long-term monitoring. Therefore, the research provides context for managing acute episodes but offers limited information for long-term outcomes.

Evidence in Special Populations and Age Groups

Research has explored the use of this combination in Adults and older children (age 6 and above). However, regulatory agencies have publicly noted that data for children under 6 years of age remain insufficient, and high-quality, conclusive studies supporting the use of cold and cough products in this specific age group are generally lacking. Consequently, results apply only to the populations studied, and data for the youngest children remain insufficient.

Consistency of Findings and Research Gaps

Evidence quality varies across studies, and systematic reviews sometimes find mixed findings or methodological issues in the trials of similar combination products. These research limitation frames include the short follow-up durations and occasional heterogeneity in study design. As a result, the evidence highlights what has been studied in research exploring short-term symptom patterns, and what is still uncertain regarding the absolute magnitude and consistency of the measured effect across all patient groups and trials.

Key Studies & References

  1. Label: CAPRON MAX- dextromethorphan hbr and pyrilamine maleate liquid (DailyMed Product Information)
  2. Dextromethorphan (StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Capron DM (FAQ)

Q: Does this medication cause dizziness or drowsiness?

Regulatory documents note that dizziness and drowsiness have been reported as possible adverse reactions during clinical trials and post-marketing experience. If these effects occur, they may temporarily impair judgment or motor skills. Patients experiencing these effects should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.

Q: Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking this drug?

The official product information specifically advises caution regarding the consumption of alcohol while taking Capron DM. This warning exists because alcohol may increase the risk or severity of certain side effects, such as drowsiness or impairment. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended regarding alcohol consumption while using this medication.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?

The official product directions provide specific guidance for handling a missed dose. Generally, this guidance relates to taking the dose as soon as remembered or skipping it if the next dose is due shortly. Always refer to the complete instructions for administration provided in the product labeling, usually found in the 'How to Use' section.

Q: How should I store the tablets? Do they need to be refrigerated?

According to the product's storage information, Capron DM tablets should be kept at room temperature. They must be protected from both moisture and excessive heat to maintain their effectiveness. The official label does not specify a need for refrigeration.

Q: Does this medicine interact with birth control pills?

Official regulatory information on drug interactions states that Capron DM may interact with certain hormonal contraceptives. This could potentially reduce their effectiveness. Individuals using hormonal contraceptives are encouraged to review this potential interaction with a healthcare professional.

Q: Can a 6-year-old child use this medication?

The official indications for Capron DM specify that it is approved for use only in patients aged 12 years and older. The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established or approved for pediatric patients younger than 12 years old, according to regulatory documents.

Q: I have kidney problems. Can I still take it?

Official labeling addresses the use of Capron DM in specific patient populations, including those with pre-existing kidney problems. The information notes that patients with kidney impairment may require a lower dose to avoid potential adverse reactions. A healthcare professional is the appropriate source for determining the correct dose based on an individual's specific kidney function.

Q: Will this medicine cause me to gain weight?

Weight gain has been listed as a possible side effect in the official regulatory documents, based on data collected during clinical studies or post-marketing surveillance. The frequency of this effect is typically defined in the adverse reactions section of the label.

How should Capron DM be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Capron DM must be stored within a mandatory controlled room temperature range of 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). The medication must be kept in its tight, light-resistant container as supplied, and this container must be fitted with a child-resistant cap.

Handling and Discarding

It is a required safety measure to keep Capron DM out of reach of children. Regarding disposal, regulatory instructions state that unused or expired drugs must be thrown away and specifically advise not to flush them down a toilet or pour them down a drain unless directed otherwise. For guidance on the proper disposal method, patients should check with their pharmacist.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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