Delsym Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
A common Delsym dosage for adults is 60 mg every 12 hours, but this may vary between liquid and oral forms. Find the children’s Delsym dose and more info here.
dextromethorphan
Used for Cough
Used for Cough
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is an over-the-counter cough suppressant (antitussive). It helps relieve "dry" cough in adults and children by suppressing the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is available as an extended-release (ER) cough syrup that's taken by mouth, typically every 12 hours. It also comes as an immediate-release (IR) caplet that's usually taken every 6 to 8 hours. Dextromethorphan might also come in additional formulations, under other brands. Some common side effects of dextromethorphan (Delsym) include nausea and stomach upset. Rarely, it can also make you sleepy.
What is Dextromethorphan (Delsym)?
What is Dextromethorphan (Delsym) used for?
- 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:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Delsym, Basic Care Cough DM, Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antitussive |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
Side effects of Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
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.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Belly discomfort
Less Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) serious side effects
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
More on Dextromethorphan (Delsym) side effects
The following Dextromethorphan (Delsym) 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:
Symptoms of overdose
Blurred vision
confusion
difficulty in urination
drowsiness or dizziness
nausea or vomiting (severe)
shakiness and unsteady walk
slowed breathing
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:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$14.75
GoodRx discount
$8.85
Pros and cons of Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
Pros
- Available as pills or oral liquids
- Sugar-free options available
- Available over the counter without a prescription
Cons
- Might need to take multiple times a day
- Meant for short-term treatment of cough only
- Found in many OTC products, so you can accidentally take too much
Pharmacist 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 example, 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. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed dextromethorphan (Delsym), call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.
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. If you think that you or your child might’ve accidentally taken too much dextromethorphan (Delsym), call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
In addition, dextromethorphan can be misused. To lower the risk of misuse, retail stores in most states restrict 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.
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) dosage
The average cost for 180 capsules of 15mg of Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is $18.32 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 61.11% off the average retail price of $47.11.
Typical dosage for Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
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.
Extended-release (long-acting) — generic extended-release suspension, Children's Delsym Cough suspension, Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief suspension
- Adults and children age 12 and older: The typical dose is 60 mg by mouth every 12 hours. Don't take more than 120 mg in a 24-hour period.
- Children age 6 to under 12 years: The typical dose is 30 mg by mouth every 12 hours. Don't take more than 60 mg in a 24-hour period.
- Children age 4 to under 6 years: The typical dose is 15 mg by mouth every 12 hours. Don't take more than 30 mg in a 24-hour period.
- Children under age 4: Don't use. Ask your child's pediatrician for other options.
Immediate-release (short-acting) — generic immediate-release suspension, Delsym Cough tablets, generic IR capsules
- 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.
More on Dextromethorphan (Delsym) dosage
Interactions between Dextromethorphan (Delsym) and other drugs
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.
More on Dextromethorphan (Delsym) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
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.
- Clorgyline
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Moclobemide
- Nialamide
- Pargyline
- Phenelzine
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Safinamide
- Selegiline
- Toloxatone
- Tranylcypromine
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.
- Alfentanil
- Almotriptan
- Amitriptyline
- Amoxapine
- Amphetamine
- Benzhydrocodone
- Benzphetamine
- Buprenorphine
- Bupropion
- Butorphanol
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Codeine
- Darunavir
- Desipramine
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dextroamphetamine
- Dihydrocodeine
- Dolasetron
- Doxepin
- Duloxetine
- Escitalopram
- Fenfluramine
- Fentanyl
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Givosiran
- Granisetron
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Hydroxytryptophan
- Imipramine
- Lasmiditan
- Levomilnacipran
- Levorphanol
- Linezolid
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Lithium
- Lorcaserin
- Memantine
- Meperidine
- Metaxalone
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Methylene Blue
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nalbuphine
- Nortriptyline
- Ondansetron
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Palonosetron
- Panobinostat
- Paroxetine
- Pentazocine
- Protriptyline
- Remifentanil
- Rolapitant
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Sufentanil
- Tapentadol
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Trimipramine
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vortioxetine
- Ziprasidone
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.
- Abiraterone Acetate
- Haloperidol
- Quinidine
How much does Dextromethorphan (Delsym) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dextromethorphan (Delsym) will not be safe for you to take.
- Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor within 2 weeks of dextromethorphan (Delsym)
What are alternatives to Dextromethorphan (Delsym)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dextromethorphan (Delsym). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
What Is Serotonin Syndrome? What You Need to Know If You Take SSRIs
Serotonin syndrome is a reaction to commonly prescribed medications and supplements. Learn what serotonin syndrome is, what causes it, and how to treat it.
Which Cold Medications Are Safe to Take While Pregnant?
Dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are generally safe for pregnancy. See a comprehensive list of cold medications you can take (and ones you should avoid) while pregnant.
Can Cough and Cold Medications, Like Mucinex, Increase Your Blood Pressure?
Some cough and cold medications, such as oral decongestants, may raise blood pressure. Learn about how these medications affect blood pressure and more.
4 Dextromethorphan (Delsym) Interactions to Be Aware Of
Learn about common interactions to watch out for when taking dextromethorphan.
Teens and the Flu: Signs, Treatment, and When to Call a Doctor
When teens get the flu, they tend to get a cough, sore throat, headache, and fever. They usually recover on their own, but sometimes they need medical care.
What’s the Best Cough Medicine? Comparing the Effectiveness of Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription
GoodRx compares prescription cough medicines with over-the-counter treatments so you can make the best decision regarding treatment.
How to Choose the Best Cold and Flu Medicine for Your Symptoms
Which cold and flu medicines actually work for runny noses or fevers? Review the best OTC cold and flu medications, including the symptoms they treat, here.
How to Get Rid of a Cough Without a Prescription: Tips and Over-the-Counter Cough Remedies
Most cough symptoms can be easily managed with at-home remedies and over-the-counter medications. Explore your options for treating a dry and wet cough.
What to Know About Auvelity, A Fast-Acting Pill for Depression
Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion) is a fast-acting medication used to treat major depressive disorder. Review Auvelity side effects, interactions, and more.
