Medication guide
Dextromethorphan
- Generic name
- Dextromethorphan
- Common brand names
- Delsym 12 Hour, Robitussin Cough
- Medication class
- Cough suppressant (NMDA-serotonergic effects at high doses)
Overview
Its medication class is Cough suppressant (NMDA-serotonergic effects at high doses). Common uses include Dry cough suppression. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Oral cold/cough preparation.
- Time of day
- With symptomatic coughing episodes; maintain schedule while symptomatic.
- With food/water
- Take with water; syrup forms may be easier with food in sensitive stomach.
- Preparation
- Read age-specific formulation and use provided cups/spoons for liquids.
- Safe dose
- Start at lowest dose by age and label.
- Max dose
- Do not exceed labeled daily total.
- Frequency
- Typically every 4–6 hours; some forms every 8–12 hours.
- Other recommendations
- Avoid combination with other products containing same active, especially sedating ingredients.
Common uses
- Dry cough suppression
Common side effects
- Nausea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- headache
- constipation
- confusion
- agitation
- and dry mouth
Important warnings
- Avoid repeated high doses due to neuropsychiatric and misuse risk. Do not use with MAOIs, serotonergic antidepressants, or serotonin-activating medications due serotonin syndrome risk. Avoid use in children under label limits and seek urgent care for hallucinations, agitation, confusion, or breathing changes.
General interactions information
Risk of serotonin syndrome with SSRIs/SNRIs/MAOIs/tramadol-like combinations
Sources / references
- Dextromethorphan — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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