section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

dex-troe-meth-OR-fan

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: allergy, cold and cough remedies, antitussives

Indications ⬆ ⬇

REMS

Action ⬆ ⬇

  • Suppresses the cough reflex by a direct effect on the cough center in the medulla. Related to opioids structurally but has no analgesic properties.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Relief of irritating nonproductive cough.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract. Extended-release product is slowly absorbed.

Distribution: Unknown. Probably crosses the placenta and enters breast milk.

Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized to dextrorphan, an active metabolite. Dextromethorphan and dextrorphan are renally excreted.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(cough suppression)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO15–30 minunknown3–6 hr‡
PO-ERunknownunknown9–12 hr



‡Up to 8 hr for gelcaps.

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

GI: nausea

Neuro: high dose:dizziness, sedation

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Creo-Terpin, Creomulsion Adult Formula, Creomulsion for Children, Delsym, Father John's, Hold DM, Pediacare Children's Long-Acting Cough, Robafin Cough, Robitussin Children's Cough Long-Acting, Robitussin Cough Long-Acting, Robitussin CoughGels Long-Acting, Robitussin Lingering Cold Long-Acting CoughGels, Scot-Tussin Diabetes, Triaminic Thin Strips Children's Long-Acting Cough, Triaminic Children's Cough Long-Acting, Vicks 44 Cough Relief, Vicks DayQuil Cough, Vicks Nature Fusion Cough

Canadian Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Balminil DM, Benylin DM, Bronchophan Forte DM, Buckley's DM, Cough Syrup DM, Delsym DM, DM Children's Cough Syrup, DM Cough Syrup, Dry Cough Syrup, Koffex DM, Neocitran Thin Strips Cough, Sedatuss DM, Sucrets Cough Control, Sucrets DM, Triaminic DM, Triaminic Long-Acting Cough, Vicks Custom Care Dry Cough

Code ⬆

NDC Code