Generic name: dextromethorphan [ DEX-troe-me-THOR-fan ]
Brand names: Babee Cof, Buckley's Mixture Cough Suppressant, Children's Cough DM, Children's Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief, Cough DM, ... show all 18 brands Cough Relief, Creomulsion, DayQuil Cough, Delsym, Delsym 12 Hour Cough Relief, Elixsure Cough, Father John's Medicine, Robafen Cough Liquidgels, Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief, Robitussin Long-Acting CoughGels, Robitussin Pediatric Cough Long-Acting, Scot-Tussin Diabetic, Buckleys Mixture
Drug class: Antitussives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 21, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Delsym?

Delsym is a cough suppressant that is used to treat cough caused by the common cold or flu.

Delsym will not treat a cough caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

There are many brands and forms of dextromethorphan available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Delsym may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Delsym side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Delsym may cause serious side effects. Stop using Delsym and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe nervousness, confusion;

• severe dizziness or drowsiness;

• blurred vision; or

• painful or difficult urination.

Common side effects of Delsym may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite;

• dizziness;

• tingling; or

• feeling restless.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not use Delsym if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Delsym if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use Delsym if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have any medical conditions.

Delsym should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take Delsym?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell your surgeon or doctor ahead of time that you have taken Delsym in the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

Related/similar drugs

benzonatate, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin, Benadryl, dextromethorphan, codeine

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cough or cold medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Delsym?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Delsym will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medicine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using over-the-counter medicines that may contain ingredients similar to Delsym.

What other drugs will affect Delsym?

Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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