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Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant found in numerous over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. Single-ingredient liquids temporarily relieve cough caused by minor throat or bronchial irritation from the common cold or inhaled irritants. Product concentrations and age directions differ, so dosing follows the specific package label.
read more about dextromethorphan ...Dextromethorphan acts in the central nervous system and decreases activity in brain pathways that trigger coughing. Its exact antitussive mechanism is not fully defined. At usual cough-suppressing doses, its clinical action differs from opioid pain medicines despite structural similarities to certain morphinan compounds.
Current single-ingredient OTC labeling covers temporary relief of cough from minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold or inhaled irritants. Medical advice is recommended for chronic cough related to smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or for cough accompanied by excessive mucus.
For a current 15 mg per 5 mL single-ingredient liquid, adults and children age 12 and older take 10 mL every six to eight hours, with no more than four doses in 24 hours. Children age 6 to 11 take 5 mL on the same schedule. Children younger than 6 should not use that product.
Dextromethorphan should not be used with a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor or within two weeks after stopping one. Taking more than directed can cause serious toxicity. Medical evaluation is advised when cough lasts longer than seven days, returns, or occurs with fever, rash, or a persistent headache.
Yes. Dextromethorphan temporarily suppresses cough through central nervous system activity.
One current product directs adults to take 10 mL every six to eight hours, up to four doses daily.
No. Current OTC labeling prohibits use during MAOI therapy and for two weeks after stopping an MAOI.
Medical advice is recommended when cough lasts beyond seven days, returns, or occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache.
DailyMed - COUGH RELIEF (dextromethorphan HBr) liquid. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=204a7fc4-142d-45fd-8a77-0612857132be. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.
DailyMed - COUGH RELIEF ADULT (dextromethorphan HBr) liquid. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b2ebfeb3-e248-40bf-81d3-81c5fb532dbe. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.
Dextromethorphan. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682492.html. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.
Dextromethorphan. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/dextrometorphan. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.
Dextromethorphan. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538216/. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.