Short-term relief of cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)
How Dextromethorphan (Delsym) works
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is a cough suppressant. It works by lowering activity in the part of your brain that makes you cough. This helps to temporarily relieve the urge to cough.
When does Dextromethorphan (Delsym) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:timePharmacist tips for Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
If you're taking the dextromethorphan oral suspension, shake the bottle well to mix the medication before measuring the dose. Use the dose cup or oral syringe that's included with the packaging or provided by the pharmacy to measure out your dose. Using household spoons might cause you to take the wrong amount.
If you have a cough that lasts for a long time or is related to cigarette smoking or a breathing problem (e.g., asthma, emphysema) or a cough with a lot of mucus, let your primary care provider know. Dextromethorphan (Delsym) might not be appropriate for your cough, and you might need more medical attention.
Speak with your primary care provider if your cough gets worse, comes back after clearing up, or lasts more than a week. Also, let them know if you also have fever, rash, or headache. These might be signs of a more serious medical condition that can't be treated with dextromethorphan (Delsym).
Don't take dextromethorphan (Delsym) with Nyquil products since most contain dextromethorphan. Taking too much dextromethorphan can lead to overdose symptoms, such as hallucinations, fast heartbeat, slow breathing, and seizures.
Many combination over-the-counter cough, cold, and flu medications contain dextromethorphan, as well as other similar ingredients. To avoid taking medications with overlapping ingredients, ask your pharmacist to help you check the ingredients list.
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) can interact with other medications. For examples, taking dextromethorphan (Delsym) along with certain medications for migraine or depression can lead to a dangerous side effect called serotonin syndrome. Let your care team know what other medications you're taking so they can help you check for interactions.
Store dextromethorphan (Delsym) up and away and out of children's reach and sight. Always put medication away every time you use it. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing any medication that was left out and possible poisoning.
What are the risks and warnings for Dextromethorphan (Delsym)?
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Overdose and misuse
Risk factors: Taking other medications that contain dextromethorphan (Delsym)
Dextromethorphan is a common ingredient in many other over-the-counter products. Taking more than one product containing the same ingredients can lead to an accidental overdose and life-threatening symptoms, such as trouble breathing and seizures.
If you're not sure whether you're taking a medication with dextromethorphan, ask your pharmacist or care team to help you check for interactions.
In addition, dextromethorphan can be misused. To lower the risk of misuse, retail stores in most states restricts the purchase of dextromethorphan to people over 18 years old with a valid form of photo identification.
Medication interactions
Talk to your primary care provider first before taking dextromethorphan (Delsym) if you're taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs) within the past 14 days. Also, let them know if you've taken other medications that can raise serotonin levels, such as antidepressants. These medications can interact with dextromethorphan (Delsym) and cause a serious side called serotonin syndrome and lead to serious side effects, like confusion, sweating, and fast heart rate. Your healthcare team can recommend other safer options to treat your cough.
Strengths
Bottle of oral suspension
30mg/5ml
Capsule
15mg
Dosages
Dextromethorphan products made by different manufacturers might have different directions and strengths. To make sure you're taking this medication correctly, follow the specific product instructions on the package, or talk with a healthcare professional about how to take it. Some examples are listed below.
Adults and children age 12 and older: The typical dose is 30 mg by mouth every 6 to 8 hours as needed for cough. Don't take more than 120 mg in a 24-hour period.
Children under age 12: Don't use. Ask your child's pediatrician for other options.
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Interactions
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Dextromethorphan (Delsym). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, confusion
Accidentally taking too much (overdose): hallucinations, fast heart beat, slow breathing, seizures
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability (severe)
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Though not common, taking dextromethorphan (Delsym) can make you feel drowsy or sleepy. If you're taking dextromethorphan (Delsym) for the first time, don't drive or do anything that needs a lot of focus and attention until you know how this medication makes you feel. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking dextromethorphan (Delsym) because doing so can worsen sleepiness. If you feel drowsy after taking dextromethorphan (Delsym), consider only taking this medication for night time cough. Ask your healthcare team about non-drowsy home remedies, such as using a humidifier or menthol rub, to help with cough during the day.
Different formulations of dextromethorphan (Delsym) have different directions, strengths, and age cut-offs. It's important to follow the instructions on the package of your specific dextromethorphan medication, or take it as directed by your healthcare team. In general, the immediate-release (IR) dextromethorphan formulations are taken by mouth every 6 to 8 hours. And the extended-release (ER) dextromethorphan formulations are taken every 12 hours. If you're not sure about your dose of dextromethorphan (Delsym), ask your care team.
Speak with your obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) about the risks and benefits of taking dextromethorphan (Delsym) during pregnancy. Research suggests that dextromethorphan (Delsym) isn't likely to cause harm if taken during pregnancy. But keep in mind that certain dextromethorphan products, like the generic immediate-release suspension, might contain alcohol, which can be harmful for your unborn baby. Ask your care team about safe options to relieve your cough during pregnancy.
No, dextromethorphan (Delsym) isn't known to raise blood pressure on its own. But sometimes, dextromethorphan can be found in combination cold and flu medications along with a decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed); these products can raise your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, ask your care team which OTC medications are safe for you.
After you take a dose of dextromethorphan (Delsym), it should start to work within 15 to 30 minutes to relieve cough.
In general, it can take about half a day to a full day for most of dextromethorphan (Delsym) to leave your system after dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of the medication. It can differ from person to person, based on your age and genetics. Talk with your healthcare team if you have more questions about how long dextromethorphan (Delsym) might stay in your system.
No, dextromethorphan (Delsym) isn't an antihistamine. It's an antitussive, also known as cough suppressant. If needed, your healthcare team might prescribe an antihistamine along with dextromethorphan (Delsym) if you have additional symptoms, such as runny nose.
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