From the Guidelines
Dextromethorphan is effective in suppressing cough, particularly for dry, non-productive coughs, with a recommended dose of 10-15 mg taken every 4-8 hours, not exceeding 120 mg in 24 hours, as supported by the most recent study 1. The effect of dextromethorphan (DXM) is to act on the brain's cough center to reduce the urge to cough, providing symptomatic relief for coughs.
- DXM is commonly found in over-the-counter cough medications and is effective for dry, non-productive coughs.
- The standard adult dose is typically 10-15 mg taken every 4-8 hours, not exceeding 120 mg in 24 hours, as indicated in the study 1.
- DXM doesn't treat the underlying cause of a cough but provides symptomatic relief, with side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea, as reported in the study 1.
- It's essential to avoid alcohol while taking this medication and to be cautious when driving or operating machinery, as higher doses can cause dissociative effects, which has led to its misuse, as noted in the study 1.
- People taking MAO inhibitors or certain antidepressants should avoid dextromethorphan due to potential serious interactions, as warned in the study 1.
- If a cough persists for more than a week, is accompanied by fever, or produces discolored phlegm, medical attention should be sought as these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring different treatment, as advised in the study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses temporarily relieves • cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants • the impulse to cough to help you get to sleep The effect of dextromethorphan (DXM) is to:
- Temporarily relieve cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation
- Relieve the impulse to cough to help with sleep 2
From the Research
Effects of Dextromethorphan (DXM)
- Dextromethorphan is a nonopioid antitussive drug that can cause altered levels of consciousness in children, even at therapeutic doses 3.
- The safety profile of dextromethorphan indicates that adverse drug reactions are infrequent and usually not severe, with predominant symptoms including neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal disturbances 4.
- Dextromethorphan has been shown to be effective in reducing cough frequency and intensity, with a study comparing it to codeine finding that dextromethorphan lowered cough intensity to a greater degree 5.
- However, dextromethorphan is subject to abuse, and when consumed at high doses, it can induce a state of psychosis characterized by Phencyclidine (PCP)-like psychological symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia 6.
- Abuse of dextromethorphan is a concern, particularly among adolescents, and pharmacists can play a role in monitoring and controlling the sale of DXM products 7.
Adverse Effects
- Altered levels of consciousness in children 3
- Neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal disturbances 4
- Psychotropic side effects, including psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia, when consumed at high doses 6