Uses
What is Delsym® (dextromethorphan) used for?
Delsym® is commonly used for relieving cough.
Delsym® has a patented time-release medicine that goes to work fast to silence your cough for a full 12 hours, up to twice as long as other cough liquids.
How should I take Delsym® (dextromethorphan)?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Cough medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Measure the liquid form of this medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.
How do I store Delsym® (dextromethorphan)?
Delsym® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Delsym® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Delsym® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush Delsym® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using Delsym® (dextromethorphan)?
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
- You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
- You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Delsym® or other Delsym® (dextromethorphan)s.
- You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of dextromethorphan.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor’s advice. Taking a stimulant together with cough medicine can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain medication. Many medicines available over the counter contain dextromethorphan. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains a cough suppressant.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Delsym® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Delsym®. Delsym® is pregnancy risk category C, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
- A=No risk
- B=No risk in some studies
- C=There may be some risk
- D=Positive evidence of risk
- X=Contraindicated
- N=Unknown
Side effects
What side effects can occur from Delsym® (dextromethorphan)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using dextromethorphan and call your doctor at once if you have:
- Severe dizziness
- Anxiety
- Restless feeling
- Nervousness
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Slow, shallow breathing
Common side effects may include stomach upset.
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with Delsym® (dextromethorphan)?
Delsym® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.
Does food or alcohol interact with Delsym® (dextromethorphan)?
Delsym® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with Delsym® (dextromethorphan)?
Delsym® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using this Delsym® (dextromethorphan).
What is the dose of Delsym® (dextromethorphan) for an adult?
The recommended dose is 10 mL every 12 hours not to exceed 20 mL in 24 hours.
What is the dose of Delsym® (dextromethorphan) for a child?
Children 12 years of age and over: The recommended dose is 10 mL every 12 hours not to exceed 20 mL in 24 hours.
Children 6 to under12 years of age: The recommended dose is 5 mL every 12 hours, not to exceed 10 mL in 24 hours.
Children 4 to under 6 years of age: The recommended dose is 2.5 mL every 12 hours, not to exceed 5 mL in 24 hours.
Children under 4 years of age: do not use.
How is Delsym® (dextromethorphan) available?
Delsym® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Delsym® liquid 148 ml
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Delsym®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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