Both dextromethorphan and honey are often used to treat coughing. You can purchase dextromethorphan in over-the-counter, cough-suppressant remedies. Both honey and dextromethorphan can pose potentially serious side effects, particularly to infants, so you should consult your physician before taking either remedy to treat coughs.
Descriptions
Dextromethorphan is an over-the-counter oral medication used to treat coughing that's often sold under the brand names Creomulsion, PediaCare, Robitussin and Triaminic, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Since ancient Roman times, doctors recommended honey to ease sore throats and treat coughing. Honey's high sugar content can also kill microorganisms, but its use as a natural cough suppressant is what draws the comparison to dextromethorphan, the Mayo Clinic website notes.
Functions
Dextromethorphan is an antitussive, meaning that it stops coughs by altering the part of the brain that controls coughing, explains the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Although the medication is often used for treating coughs related to colds, flu and other respiratory infections, it won't necessarily suppress coughing due to asthma, cigarette smoke or emphysema, notes the University of Michigan Health System website.
Scientific Evidence
Although dextromethorphan is a widely-used over-the-counter medication for treating coughs, honey is considered more of a folk remedy that isn't regulated as a medicinal product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A few medical studies have investigated the use of honey as a cough suppressant. For example, a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in 2007, found that children two years of age and older with upper respiratory infections who took 2 tbsp. of honey before bed slept better and experienced less nighttime coughing. One study published in the same journal issue even found that honey was equally effective as dextromethorphan in suppressing coughing, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Dosages
Dextromethorphan comes in different forms, such as dissolvable oral strips and pills, as well as liquid drops, suspensions and syrups. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label for the proper use of dextromethorphan products, or ask your doctor for the correct dosage. You might take 1 to 5 tbsp. of honey several times each day to relieve coughing. Many people mix the honey with lemon and water or teas for cough suppression, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Warnings
In rare cases, honey can cause infant botulism, so you shouldn't give honey to a baby who's younger than one year old, according to the Mayo Clinic. Young children should never be given over-the-counter cough suppressants, including dextromethorphan. Talk to your doctor to determine dosages of dextromethorphan for older children. Certain people might be allergic to honey, including if you're also allergic to pollen. Consult your doctor if you're allergic to nuts, seeds or tartrazine, because dextromethorphan might contain these ingredients. Common side effects of dextromethorphan are dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Also, dextromethorphan can have dangerous interactions with certain anti-depressants, like Nardil, Marplan, Parnate and Eldepryl, according to the University of Michigan Health System website.
