Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is an over-the-counter cough suppressant medication that provides temporary relief from persistent coughs. It works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain and is commonly used in combination products to treat coughs caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation, such as those associated with colds or allergies.
Dextromethorphan is a widely used over-the-counter cough suppressant that temporarily relieves cough symptoms by acting on the brain's cough reflex.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R05DA09
- RxNorm
- 1972
- Generic
- Dextromethorphan
- Class
- atc-r05
- Brands
- Cepacol Sore Throat Plus Cough, Nuedexta, Chloraseptic Sore Throat + Cough, Mielim Y Mas, DayQuil Cough, Scot-tussin Diabetic CF, Buckley's Cough Suppressant, Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough, Babee Cof, Bromfed DM, Scot-Tussin DM Cough Chasers, Auvelity, Delsym, Elixsure Cough, Creomulsion
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 3
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 6
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, syrup, liquid, lozenge, gel cap, extended release capsule
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, European Union countries, many other nations
- Monitoring
- none
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10mg to 20mg every 4 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg to 10mg every 4 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg every 4 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
small amounts excreted in breast milk, monitor infant for excessive drowsiness
observe infant for sedation or decreased feeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment needed
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to side effects
monitor for dizziness, sedation, confusion
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 2 yearsdo not use
not recommended for children under 2 years due to risk of respiratory depression
seek immediate medical attention if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
2 to 6 yearsweight-based dosing, use pediatric formulation
use only under healthcare provider supervision
monitor for adverse reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentuse with caution, consider dose reduction
monitor renal function, adjust dose if needed
monitor renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentuse with caution, consider dose reduction
metabolized in liver, use reduced dose in severe impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Mechanism of action
Primary mechanism of action
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Temporary relief of cough caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation, including coughs associated with colds, allergies, or respiratory infections. Often found in combination with other cold medications for multi-symptom relief.
Acts as a cough suppressant by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that triggers the cough reflex. It has mild sedative properties and at higher doses may produce dissociative effects.
Should not be used in children under 4 years old. May interact with MAO inhibitors, SSRIs, and other serotonergic medications. Avoid in productive coughs where clearing mucus is beneficial. Risk of misuse at high doses; store medication securely. May cause drowsiness in some individuals.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 28, 2026. · Read our editorial policy