Generic Name: dextromethorphan
Brand Names: Balminil DM, Benylin DM, Bronchophan, Buckleys DM, Calmylin #1, Delsym, Koffex DM, Novahistex DM, Robitussin Lingering Cold Long-Acting Cough, Robitussin Lingering Cold Long-Acting CoughGels, Children's Robitussin Cough Long-Acting, Sucrets 8 Hour Cough Relief DM Cough Formula
Drug Class: Antitussives
What is dextromethorphan, and what is it used for?
Dextromethorphan is a medication used to control coughs caused by the common cold, flu, or other conditions. Dextromethorphan can temporarily relieve cough, but does not treat the cause of the cough or help with recovery.
Dextromethorphan is available over-the-counter under multiple brand names. Dextromethorphan is also often combined with other medications such as antihistamines and painkillers (analgesics).
Dextromethorphan suppresses cough by reducing the sensitivity of cough receptors in the brain region that stimulate the cough reflex and preventing the transmission of cough impulses. Dextromethorphan is a non-opioid drug derived from levorphanol, an opioid analgesic, and is structurally similar to opioid drugs such as codeine.
Dextromethorphan does not interact with opioid receptors and hence, does not have analgesic or addictive properties, however, it increases the levels of chemical messengers such as serotonin, and has the potential for abuse.
Warnings
- Do not take dextromethorphan if you are allergic to it or any of its components
- Do not use dextromethorphan simultaneously with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which prevent break down of brain chemicals; can lead to serotonin syndrome
- Do not administer dextromethorphan OTC to children younger than 4 years; it can cause serious side effects; use with caution in children of 4-11 years
- Dextromethorphan may cause hallucinations, confusion, agitation, overactive reflexes, shivering, muscle twitching and rapid heart rate
- Do not take for persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if you have excessive phlegm, unless prescribed by your doctor; may slow respiration rate
- Some brands of dextromethorphan may contain aspartame, a source of the amino acid phenylalanine; use with caution in patients with phenylketonuria, an inherited condition that causes buildup of phenylalanine
- Use with caution in patients who are sedated, debilitated or confined to supine position
What are the side effects of dextromethorphan?
Common side effects of dextromethorphan include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug.
Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What are the dosages of dextromethorphan?
Tablet
- 15 mg
Capsule
- 15 mg
- 25 mg
Gel, oral
- 7.5 mg/5 ml
Liquid, oral
- 7.5 mg/5 ml
- 10 mg/5 ml
- 15 mg/5 ml
Syrup, oral
- 5 mg/5 ml
- 7.5 mg/5 ml
- 10 mg/5 ml
- 15 mg/5 ml
- 20 mg/15 ml
Liquid, extended-release
- 30 mg/5 ml
Lozenge
- 5 mg
- 7.5 mg
- 15 mg
Strip, oral
- 7.5 mg
Adult
Cough
- Liquid and syrup: 10-20 mg orally every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6-8 hours
- Gel: 30 mg orally every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day
- Extended-release: 60 mg orally every 12 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day
- Lozenges: 5-15 mg orally every 1-4 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day
- Strips: 30 mg orally every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day
Dosing considerations
- Abuse potential is much lower than codeine
- About 15-30 mg dextromethorphan is equal to 8-15 mg codeine as an antitussive
Pediatric
Cough
- Children under 4 years: prescription only
Extended-release:
- Children 4-6 years old: 15 mg orally twice daily, not to exceed 30 mg per day
- Children 6-12 years: 30 mg orally twice daily, not to exceed 60 mg per day
- Children over 12 years: 60 mg orally twice daily, not to exceed 120 mg per day
Liquid/Syrup
- Children 4-6 years old: 7.5 mg every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 30 mg per day
- Children 6-12 years old: 15 mg orally every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 60 mg per day
- Children over 12 years: 10-20 mg orally every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6-8 hours not to exceed 120 mg per day
Gel
- Children over 12 years: 30 mg every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day
Lozenges
- Children 6-12 years: 5-10 mg every 1-4 hours, not to exceed 60 mg per day
- Children over 12 years: 5-15 mg orally every 1-4 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day
Strips
- Children 6-12 years: 15 mg orally every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 60 mg per day
- Children over 12 years: 30 mg orally every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 120 mg per day
Dosing Considerations
- Potential toxic doses children under 6 years: 10 mg/kg
- About 15-30 mg dextromethorphan is equal to 8-15 mg codeine as an antitussive
QUESTION
Which illness is known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection? See AnswerAddiction/overdose
- Dextromethorphan is not addictive like opioid medications but has the potential for abuse. There have been reports of abuse of dextromethorphan-containing products, especially among teenagers.
- Overdose can cause severe side effects, particularly in children. In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact the Poison Control Center immediately.
What drugs interact with dextromethorphan?
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.
- Severe Interactions of dextromethorphan include:
- isocarboxazid
- phenelzine
- procarbazine
- rasagiline
- safinamide
- selegiline
- tranylcypromine
- Dextromethorphan has serious interactions with at least 34 different drugs.
- Dextromethorphan has moderate interactions with at least 58 different drugs.
- Dextromethorphan has mild interactions with at least 22 different drugs.
The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information.
Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- There is insufficient information available on the use of dextromethorphan during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Check with your doctor before taking dextromethorphan if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
What else should I know about dextromethorphan?
- Follow package instructions exactly while taking OTC drugs. Do not take higher or more frequent doses than recommended.
- Store dextromethorphan out of reach of children and dispose of unused medication carefully.
- Stop taking dextromethorphan and see your doctor if your cough does not get better within 7 days, goes away and comes back, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, rash, or headache.
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Summary
Dextromethorphan is an over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressant used to relieve coughing caused by the common cold, flu, or other illnesses. Common side effects of dextromethorphan include dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, sedation, nervousness, restlessness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation. Dextromethorphan is not addictive but has potential for abuse. Consult your doctor before taking dextromethorphan if pregnant or breastfeeding.
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How Long After COVID-19 Symptoms Appear Should I Get Tested?The CDC recommends that anyone who is exposed to COVID-19 should test four to five days after their suspected exposure.
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Does COVID-19 Cause Dizzy Spells?Although not a typical symptom of COVID-19, neurological symptoms, such as dizziness, are associated with coronavirus infection.
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Can I Get COVID-19 Again?If you have had COVID-19, can you get it again? Yes, COVID-19 reinfection is rare but possible. Learn what symptoms to look for and how to protect yourself.
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Does Your Upper Back Hurt With COVID-19?COVID-19 can cause upper back pain as well as other body aches. Back pain can even linger months after infection. Learn about what causes back pain with COVID-19.
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Is Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Contagious?Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough symptoms include severe coughing fits and whooping sound produced during inhalation. The bacteria spreads via airborne droplets produced during sneezing or coughing. There is a whooping cough vaccine that is typically administered during childhood vaccinations.
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Can a Sore Throat Be the Only Symptom of COVID-19?Although rare, COVID-19 may present with only sore throat in about 5%-10% of cases. COVID-19-related sore throat is relatively mild and lasts no more than 4-5 days.
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How Soon After the COVID-19 Booster Vaccines Are You Protected?According to recent studies, it takes about 14 days after receiving the COVID-19 booster vaccine for your immune system to offer protection from the virus.
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Can I Drink Alcohol Before Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine?While no scientific evidence exists claiming to avoid alcohol before or after the COVID-19 vaccine, health officials still advise against drinking a week before or after.
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Can Babies Get COVID-19?According to the CDC, it's not common for newborns to be diagnosed with COVID-19. But there have been a few cases of newborns testing positive for the virus.
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Can Congestion Be the Only Symptom of COVID-19?Congestion can be the only symptom of COVID-19 in some cases.
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Can COVID-19 Cause Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy?COVID-19 can cause mediastinal lymphadenopathy, but it is not considered a typical finding on chest CT scans of patients infected by COVID-19.
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Does COVID-19 Start With Body Aches?COVID-19 has symptoms similar to the flu or common cold. Fever, headaches, and body aches are typically the first sign of COVID-19. These pains can come on slowly or appear suddenly.
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How Do You Cure the Flu Quickly?Flu or influenza is a common viral disease affecting the respiratory system. This infectious disease is caused by the influenza virus. Most cases of flu are self-limiting and can be easily managed at home.
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How Long Does Headache Last With COVID-19?Headache is a potential symptom of COVID-19 and can also occur after getting vaccinated. COVID-19 headaches typically last for a few days, although the duration depends on your age, immune system, and overall health condition. In mild cases of COVID-19, headaches will usually resolve within a few days. However, in more severe cases, mild or moderate headaches may come and go for up to 90 days.
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How Does COVID-19 Mainly Spread?COVID-19 mainly spreads via airborne particles and respiratory droplets formed when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.
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How Long Could Fatigue Last After COVID-19 Infection?Fatigue usually lasts for 2-3 weeks after COVID-19 infection, although some people may experience fatigue for 12 weeks or more after the infection is gone.
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Does COVID-19 Give You a Stomach Ache?COVID-19 can cause stomach ache along with other gastrointestinal issues, often the result of liver damage or medications given for treatment.
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COVID-19 vs. AllergiesThough there is some overlap in allergy and COVID-19 signs and symptoms there are also significant differences. Symptoms that they have in common include headache, fatigue, tiredness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and sore throat. Fever does not occur with allergies but is one of the defining symptoms of COVID-19 infections.
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Can Diarrhea Be an Initial Symptom of COVID-19?COVID-19 has become a common illness that affects many people. Learn the signs of COVID-19, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.
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What Does a COVID-19 Headache Feel Like?COVID-19 headache may feel like a pulsing, pressing, or stabbing pain.
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Prevention TipsCOVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that spreads from person to person via infected respiratory droplets. The main symptoms of COVID-19 infection include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Occasionally, people infected with COVID-19 may experience diarrhea, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, or aches and pains. Avoiding contact with infected people, social distancing, not touching your face, frequent hand washing, cleaning, and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces can help to reduce your risk of contracting the 2019 novel coronavirus.
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What Is the Delta Variant of COVID-19?Here’s everything you need to know about the Delta variant, why it’s so contagious, and whether COVID-19 vaccines can protect against infection.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Flu Vaccine (Flu Shot)
- What Is the COVID-19 Antigen Test?
- How Do the COVID-19 Coronavirus Tests Work?
- What Is the Difference Between a PCR Nasal Swab and a COVID-19 Antigen Test?
- What Is the COVID-19 Antibody Test For?
- How to Differentiate Between the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19, Allergies, Cold, and Flu?
- What Are Monoclonal Antibody Treatments for COVID-19 Coronavirus?
- Cough, Cold, Weight Loss Drug Dangerous - Warning
- Colds: 10 Tips to Prevent The Common Cold
- How Long Does It Take Strep to Go Away?
- Flu Shot Side Effects
- Cold Sore Treatment
- OTC Cold and Cough Medications
- When to Call the Doctor for Fever, Nausea, Diarrhea, Colds, and Coughs
- Air Travel, Colds, and Sinus Infections
Medications & Supplements
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/balminil-dm-benylin-dm-dextromethorphan-343401#0
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682492.html
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/dextromethorphan-drug-information
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538216/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/dextromethorphan
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Dextromethorphan