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M-End Dmx

dexbrompheniramine / dextromethorphan / pseudoephedrine
Used for Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Cold Symptoms, Cough
Used for Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Cold Symptoms, Cough

M-END DMX is a combination of three medications: dexbrompheniramine (an antihistamine), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). M-END DMX is available over the counter and is used to treat symptoms from allergies and the common cold. It's a liquid that people 6 years of age and older can take by mouth every 6 hours when they need symptom relief. M-END DMX can make you sleepy, so it's best to avoid alcohol when you're taking this medication. Other side effects include dizziness and dry mouth.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 28, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is M-END DMX?

What is M-END DMX used for?

Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold:

  • Cough from throat and lung irritation

  • Runny nose

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy or watery eyes

  • Itching of the nose or throat

  • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

How M-END DMX works

M-END DMX is a combination of three medications that work together to relieve allergy and common cold symptoms.

  • Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks a natural substance in your body called histamine that normally causes allergy and common cold symptoms. By blocking histamine, dexbrompheniramine lessens inflammation (swelling) and relieves runny or itchy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

  • Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It works in the brain to lower your urge to cough.

  • Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that clears your sinuses to relieve sinus pressure.

Are you looking for information on Polytussin DM (dexbrompheniramine / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine) or Bromfed DM (brompheniramine / dextromethorphan / pseudoephedrine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsM-END DMX
Drug ClassAntihistamine / Cough suppressant / Decongestant
Controlled Substance ClassificationControlled in some states. See FAQs below.
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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$15.63(save 24.19%)
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What are the side effects of M-END DMX?

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

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Excessive sleepiness or dizziness
  • Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, confusion
  • Taking too much medication: confusion, vision changes, heart rhythm problems, hallucinations

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of M-END DMX

thumbs-up

Pros

Convenient to take three medications in a single product

Typically starts working within 30 minutes to an hour

Can relieve a wide variety of allergy and common cold symptoms

Available over the counter

Available as a fruit-flavored liquid for better taste

thumbs-down

Cons

Might have to take as often as every 6 hours to relieve symptoms

More difficult to customize the dose since M-END DMX is a fixed combination of three medications

Available as a brand-name product only

Only available as a liquid

Might not be the best choice for people over 65 years old; people with glaucoma; or people with breathing, heart, or urinary problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for M-END DMX

pharmacist

  • You can take M-END DMX with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking the medication with food.

    • You can take M-END DMX as needed for cold and allergy symptoms. But it's recommended you take the medication on a scheduled basis according to the package instructions while you're having symptoms to get the most relief.

      • Use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure our your dose of M-END DMX. Ask your pharmacy to provide you with extras just in case the product doesn't have one or just in case you lose it. Don't use household spoons; they might not be accurate and using them might cause you to take the wrong dose.

        • M-END DMX can keep you awake or make you sleepy or dizzy. Don't drive until you know how the medication affects you.

          • While M-END DMX usually makes adults sleepy, it's possible for children who take the medication to become overly excited or energetic. Speak to a pediatrician if this happens to your child.

            • Stop using M-END DMX and contact your primary care provider if your cough or congestion lasts longer than a week; keeps coming back; or occurs with a fever, rash, or headache. Also call your primary care provider if you start to feel nervous or dizzy, have trouble sleeping, or have any other new symptoms. You might need to get examined by your primary care provider.

              • Don't start any new medications while you're taking M-END DMX — especially other antihistamines, cough suppressants, or decongestants — without talking to your primary care provider or pharmacist first. Taking certain medications with M-END DMX can raise your risk for serious side effects, including daytime sleepiness, dizziness, high blood pressure, and fast heart rate.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about M-END DMX

                How long does M-END DMX take to kick in?
                M-END DMX typically starts to work within 30 minutes to an hour. This is generally the time it takes for all the ingredients in M-END DMX (dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine) to start working. The effects of the medication typically last for about 6 hours.
                Does M-END DMX make you sleepy?
                Yes, it's possible to feel sleepy after you take M-END DMX because it contains dexbrompheniramine. Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine, which is a type of medication that's known to cause sleepiness. But M-END DMX also contains pseudoephedrine, which can have the opposite effect and make you stay awake. Pay attention to how M-END DMX affects your sleep. Contact your primary care provider to discuss better options for you if the medication is making you too sleepy or interrupting your sleep and affecting your daily activities.
                Can you drink alcohol while you're taking M-END DMX?
                It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking M-END DMX. It's possible for this medication to make you sleepy and dizzy. And alcohol can do the same too. So drinking alcohol and taking M-END DMX together can make these side effects more intense and put you at risk for accidents. Speak with your primary care provider about your drinking habits and avoiding alcohol while you're taking M-END DMX.
                Is M-END DMX over the counter?
                Yes. You can usually find M-END DMX at the pharmacy counter (also called behind the counter). You won't need a prescription for it in most regions, but you'll need to show photo identification and provide your signature when you buy the medication. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure where you can find M-END DMX in the pharmacy.
                Is M-END DMX a controlled substance?
                Most states don't consider M-END DMX a controlled substance, but there might be certain states that do and have put strict regulations on the medication. This is because M-END DMX contains pseudoephedrine, which is a medication that has the potential to be misused. Note that state laws change from time to time. So, it's best to ask your primary care provider or pharmacist whether M-END DMX is a controlled substance in your state and how to take the medication in a safe way.
                Can I take M-END DMX while pregnant or breastfeeding?
                Don't take M-END DMX until you've talked to a healthcare professional first if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. M-END DMX is a combination medication containing dexbrompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine. While dextromethorphan and antihistamines like dexbrompheniramine are generally considered safe during pregnancy, it's unclear whether pseudoephedrine is. Pseudoephedrine might have a risk of harm to babies if it's taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It's also generally not recommended to take medications containing pseudoephedrine while nursing since it can affect your ability to breastfeed or make your baby irritable.
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                What are the risks and warnings for M-END DMX?

                M-END DMX 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.

                risk-warning

                Worsening of certain medical conditions

                • Risk factors: Cough from smoking, asthma, or emphysema | Mucus-producing cough | Breathing problems | Heart disease or high blood pressure | Thyroid problems | High blood sugar (diabetes) | Glaucoma | Urinary problems

                  Let your primary care provider and pharmacist know about all the medical conditions you have before you start taking M-END DMX. Ask them whether this medication is safe for you to take.

                  People who are 65 years of age or older might feel side effects from M-END DMX more intensely. In addition, M-END DMX might worsen certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and glaucoma. This medication also might not be appropriate for your condition. For example, you might need other treatment if you have a cough that's lasted for a long time; a cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema; or a cough with a lot of mucus.

                  risk-warning

                  Serotonin syndrome

                  • Risk factors: Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) 2 weeks before starting M-END DMX | Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in the body

                    Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood.

                    It's possible for dextromethorphan (one of the ingredients in M-END DMX) to raise your serotonin levels. The risk for serotonin syndrome goes up if you take M-END DMX with other medications that also affect serotonin levels, such as antidepressants, MAOIs, and migraine medications called triptans. Be sure your primary care provider and pharmacist know about all the medications you take and plan to take (including over-the-counter medications and supplements).

                    Get medical help right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, and confusion.

                    risk-warning

                    Accidentally taking too much medication

                    M-END DMX contains an antihistamine (dexbrompheniramine), cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). These ingredients can all be found in many other over-the-counter products.

                    The risk of taking too much of any particular ingredient is higher if you use more than one product that contains an antihistamine, cough suppressant, or a decongestant. This can be dangerous and cause serious side effects, such as very high blood pressure, daytime sleepiness, changes in heart rhythm, and hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real).

                    Ask your primary care provider or pharmacist if you're not sure whether you're taking a medication that has the same or similar ingredients as M-END DMX. Get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you think you or a loved one accidentally took too much medication.

                    dosage

                    M-END DMX dosage forms

                    The average cost for 120 ml of 0.667mg/10mg/20mg/5ml of M-END DMX is $11.85 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 24.19% off the average retail price of $15.63.
                    ml of oral solution
                    Ml of oral solution
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    0.667mg/10mg/20mg/5ml120 ml$11.85$0.10

                    Typical dosing for M-END DMX

                    Each 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) of M-END DMX contains 0.667 mg of dexbrompheniramine, 10 mg of dextromethorphan, and 20 mg of pseudoephedrine.

                    • Ages 12 years or older: The typical dose is 15 mL (3 teaspoonfuls) by mouth every 6 hours when you have symptoms. Don't use more than 4 doses (60 mL or 12 teaspoonfuls) in a 24-hour period.

                    • Age 6 years to under 12 years: The typical dose is 7.5 mL (1.5 teaspoonfuls) by mouth every 6 hours when your child has symptoms. Don't use more than 4 doses (30 mL or 6 teaspoonfuls) in a 24-hour period.

                    • Age under 6 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.

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                    How much does M-END DMX cost?

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                    contraindications-icon

                    M-END DMX 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 M-END DMX will not be safe for you to take.
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to M-END DMX?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of M-END DMX. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    M-END DMX
                    Used for:

                    Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold:

                    • Cough from throat and lung irritation

                    • Runny nose

                    • Sneezing

                    • Itchy or watery eyes

                    • Itching of the nose or throat

                    • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

                    $11.85 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Alahist CF
                    Used for:

                    • Cough from throat and lung irritation

                    • Runny nose

                    • Sneezing

                    • Itchy or watery eyes

                    • Itching of the nose or throat

                    • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

                    $16.52 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Westussin DM
                    Used for:

                    • Runny nose

                    • Sneezing

                    • Itchy nose or throat

                    • Itchy, watery eyes

                    • Cough

                    • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

                    $24.61 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?

                    Borowy, C. S., et al. (2023). Antihistamine toxicity. StatPearls.

                    Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2020). Pseudoephedrine. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                    View All References (7)

                    Francescangeli, J., et al. (2019). The serotonin syndrome: From molecular mechanisms to clinical practice. International Journal of Molecular Science.

                    Hoeft, D. (2014). An overview of clinically significant drug interactions between medications used to treat psychiatric and medical conditions. Mental Health Clinician.

                    Johnson, D. A., et al. (1993). The pharmacology of alpha-adrenergic decongestants. Pharmacotherapy.

                    Oh, S., et al. (2023). Dextromethorphan. StatPearls.

                    R. A. McNeil Company. (2024). M-END DMX- dexbrompheniramine maleate, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Simons, F. E. R. (2003). H1-antihistamines: More relevant than ever in the treatment of allergic disorders. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

                    U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Legal requirements for the sale and purchase of drug products containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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