Dextromethorphan (DXM or DX) belongs to the drug class called antitussives, cough suppressants, and is most commonly used to temporarily relieve coughing caused by a common cold or other conditions. Although helpful in relieving cough, it cannot treat the underlying cause of the cough and is typically ineffective for coughing associated with smoking or chronic illnesses which may cause coughing. Dextromethorphan works by decreasing the activity in the part of the brain that stimulates the coughing reflex.
Medications Whose Primary Ingredient is Dextromethorphan
These are the most common brand name drugs on the market which contain dextromethorphan: Benylin Adult Formula Cough Suppressant, Benylin Pediatric Cough Suppressant, Delsym, Robitussin Cough Gels, Robitussin Honey Cough Suppressant, Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough Suppressant, Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant, Simply Cough, Sucrets 8-Hour Cough Suppressant, Triaminic Cough Softchews, Vicks 44 Cough Relief.
Medications Including Dextromethorphan
It is important to always check labels as some drugs can have combinations which may include dextromethorphan such as some types of Tylenol, Alka-Seltzer, Sudafed, TheraFlu and others. It is important to recognize what other medications are also present in these drugs as the effects could vary based on these combined ingredients. Most commonly, acetaminophen (pain relief), aspirin (inflammation), guaifenesin (expectorant), chlorpheniramine maleate (antihistamine), phenylephrine hydrochloride (decongestant), pseudoephedrine (decongestant, wakefulness-stimulating), doxylamine (antihistamine, sedative) and sorbitol (bulk sugar/flavor) are used in conjunction with dextromethorphan to produce the effects desired based on the presenting symptoms.
General Precautions and Side Effects
Dextromethorphan, even when ingested as the primary active ingredient, can still have side effects. Most often reported side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, nervousness, restlessness, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. It is important to stay aware of the signs of dextromethorphan overdose, these routinely include unsteadiness, visual changes, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, hallucinating (hearing, seeing or feeling things that in reality do not exist), seizures/convulsions and coma (a loss of consciousness lasting for a variable period of time). These are rare effects and are often seen only in cases where dextromethorphan is abused.
