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Cough Dm

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Active ingredient
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide 30 mg/5 mL
Other brand names
Dosage form
Suspension
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2012
Label revision date
September 15, 2025
Active ingredient
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide 30 mg/5 mL
Other brand names
Dosage form
Suspension
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2012
Label revision date
September 15, 2025
Manufacturer
Sixarp, LLC
Registration number
ANDA091135
NDC root
59368-274

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Drug Overview

Dextromethorphan Polistirex Extended-Release Oral Suspension, commonly known as Cough DM, is a cough suppressant available in a pleasant orange-flavored liquid form. It is designed to temporarily relieve cough caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation, which can occur with the common cold or from inhaled irritants. This medication can also help reduce the urge to cough, making it easier for you to get a good night's sleep.

With its extended-release formula, Cough DM provides up to 12 hours of cough relief, allowing you to go about your day or rest comfortably at night. It is alcohol-free and comes with a dosing cup for easy measurement. Pharmacists often recommend this product for its effectiveness in managing cough symptoms.

Uses

You can use this medication to temporarily relieve a cough caused by minor irritation in your throat and bronchial tubes, which can happen with the common cold or from inhaling irritants. If you're having trouble sleeping because of a persistent cough, this medication can also help reduce the urge to cough, allowing you to get a better night's rest.

Rest assured, there are no known teratogenic effects (which means it doesn't cause birth defects) associated with this medication, making it a safer option for those concerned about such risks.

Dosage and Administration

Before you use the medication, make sure to shake the bottle well. It's important to measure your dose using only the dosing cup that comes with the product, as using it with other products can lead to incorrect dosing.

For adults and children aged 12 and older, the recommended dose is 10 mL every 12 hours, but you should not take more than 20 mL in a 24-hour period. If your child is between 6 and 12 years old, the dose is 5 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum of 10 mL in a day. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, the dose is 2.5 mL every 12 hours, not exceeding 5 mL in 24 hours. Please do not use this medication for children under 4 years of age. Always follow your doctor’s instructions if they provide different guidance.

What to Avoid

You should avoid using this product if you are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a type of medication used for depression, psychiatric conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, do not use it for at least two weeks after stopping an MAOI. If you're unsure whether your prescription includes an MAOI, please consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Be aware that this product contains sodium metabisulfite, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If you have a known allergy to sulfites, it's important to avoid this product. Always prioritize your safety and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Side Effects

You should be aware that this medication contains sodium metabisulfite, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If you experience any side effects, it's important to stop using the medication and consult your doctor. Additionally, if your cough lasts more than seven days, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, these could be signs of a more serious condition, and you should seek medical advice promptly.

For any side effects you encounter, you can report them to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings and Precautions

You should not use this product if you are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a type of medication used for depression or certain other conditions. If you have recently stopped taking an MAOI, wait at least two weeks before using this product. If you're unsure whether your medication contains an MAOI, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. Additionally, be aware that this product contains sodium metabisulfite, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Before using this product, it's important to talk to your doctor if you have a chronic cough related to smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if your cough is accompanied by excessive mucus. You should stop using the product and contact your doctor if you experience any side effects, if your cough lasts more than seven days, or if it returns with symptoms like fever, rash, or a persistent headache, as these may indicate a more serious issue.

In the event of an overdose, seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose

It appears that there is no specific information available regarding overdosage for this medication. However, if you suspect that you or someone else may have taken too much of a medication, it’s important to be aware of potential signs of an overdose, which can include unusual drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you have concerns about a possible overdose, seek immediate medical help. You can contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital. Always keep medications out of reach of children and follow the prescribed dosage to prevent any risks.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using this medication. They can provide guidance on whether it’s safe for you and your baby. Always prioritize your health and the health of your child by seeking expert advice.

Lactation Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication. This ensures that you understand any potential risks and can make informed decisions about your health and the health of your baby. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor regarding your breastfeeding journey.

Pediatric Use

When it comes to using this medication for children, it's important to follow specific guidelines based on their age. For children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dose is 10 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum of 20 mL in a 24-hour period. If your child is between 6 and 12 years old, they should take 5 mL every 12 hours, not exceeding 10 mL in a day. For younger children aged 4 to under 6 years, the dose is 2.5 mL every 12 hours, with a daily limit of 5 mL.

Please note that this medication is not recommended for children under 4 years of age. Always consult with your child's healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about their medication.

Geriatric Use

When it comes to using this medication in older adults, there are no specific guidelines or recommendations regarding age-related dosage adjustments or safety concerns. This means that while the medication can be prescribed to older patients, healthcare providers may not have tailored advice for managing its use in this age group.

As always, it’s important for you or your caregiver to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking multiple medications. Your doctor can help ensure that the treatment is safe and effective for your individual needs.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication should be used if you have renal impairment (kidney issues).

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication you take is safe and appropriate for your health situation. They can help determine the best course of action based on your kidney function and overall health.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication should be used if you have hepatic impairment (liver issues).

Before starting any new medication, including this one, you should discuss your liver health with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the best approach for your treatment and ensure your safety.

Drug Interactions

It's important to be cautious when taking dextromethorphan, especially if you are also using monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are a type of medication used to treat certain mental health conditions. Using dextromethorphan while on MAOIs can lead to serious interactions, so you should avoid taking dextromethorphan during MAOI therapy and for at least two weeks after stopping MAOIs.

Always discuss any medications you are taking with your healthcare provider. They can help ensure that your treatments are safe and effective, and they can provide guidance on any potential interactions with other medications or tests you may need.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best results, store the product at a temperature between 20 °C to 25 °C (68 °F to 77 °F). Before using it, make sure to shake the bottle well to mix the contents thoroughly. When measuring your dose, always use the dosing cup provided, as using it with other products can lead to inaccurate dosing or contamination. Following these guidelines will help you use the product safely and effectively.

Additional Information

You should take this medication orally. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using this medication to ensure it's safe for you and your baby.

FAQ

What is Dextromethorphan Polistirex Extended-Release Oral Suspension used for?

It is a cough suppressant that temporarily relieves cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation, helping you get to sleep.

How should I take Dextromethorphan Polistirex?

Shake the bottle well before use and measure with the dosing cup provided. Adults and children 12 years and older should take 10 mL every 12 hours, not exceeding 20 mL in 24 hours.

Are there any allergies I should be aware of?

Yes, it contains sodium metabisulfite, which may cause allergic-type reactions.

What should I do if I experience side effects?

Stop use and ask a doctor if side effects occur. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should ask a health professional before use.

What should I do in case of an overdose?

Get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Who should not use Dextromethorphan Polistirex?

Do not use if you are taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or for 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI.

How should I store Dextromethorphan Polistirex?

Store it at 20 °C to 25 °C (68 °F to 77 °F).

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cough Dm (dextromethorphan polistirex). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Cough Dm.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Cough Dm, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation, which may occur with the common cold or as a result of inhaled irritants. Additionally, it is indicated for the temporary relief of the impulse to cough, facilitating sleep.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

The bottle should be shaken well before use. Dosing must be measured exclusively with the dosing cup provided; the dosing cup should not be used with any other products to ensure accurate measurement.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dose is 10 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum of 20 mL in a 24-hour period. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the recommended dose is 5 mL every 12 hours, not to exceed 10 mL in a 24-hour period. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, the recommended dose is 2.5 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum of 5 mL in a 24-hour period. This product is not recommended for use in children under 4 years of age.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to adhere strictly to these dosing guidelines or any alternative dosing as directed by a physician.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI. This includes certain medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Patients should consult a healthcare professional if uncertain about the presence of an MAOI in their prescription.

Additionally, this product contains sodium metabisulfite, which may trigger allergic-type reactions in individuals with sulfite sensitivity.

Warnings and Precautions

The use of this product is contraindicated in individuals currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. It is also advised to refrain from using this product for at least two weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. Healthcare professionals should counsel patients to verify with their doctor or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Allergy Alert This product contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may provoke allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals. Healthcare providers should be vigilant in assessing patients for any history of sulfite sensitivity.

General Precautions Prior to use, patients should consult a healthcare professional if they have a chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Additionally, those experiencing a cough accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus) should seek medical advice before using this product.

Stop Taking and Call Your Doctor Instructions Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if they experience any side effects. Side effects can be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Furthermore, if a cough persists for more than seven days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache that lasts, patients should seek medical attention, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Get Emergency Medical Help Instructions In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt action is essential to ensure patient safety.

Side Effects

Patients may experience adverse reactions associated with the use of this medication. Notably, there is an Allergy Alert due to the presence of sodium metabisulfite, which is a sulfite that may lead to allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals.

In clinical practice, patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any side effects occur. It is important to report these side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Additionally, patients should seek medical attention if a cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache lasting longer than expected, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Drug Interactions

Dextromethorphan is contraindicated for use in conjunction with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) due to the potential for serious interactions. It is advised to avoid the use of dextromethorphan during MAOI therapy and for a period of 2 weeks following the discontinuation of MAOIs to mitigate the risk of adverse effects.

No additional drug interactions or laboratory test interactions have been identified for dextromethorphan.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cough Dm (dextromethorphan polistirex). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Cough Dm.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 12 years and older may be administered 10 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum dosage of 20 mL in a 24-hour period. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the recommended dosage is 5 mL every 12 hours, not to exceed 10 mL in 24 hours. In children aged 4 to under 6 years, the dosage is 2.5 mL every 12 hours, with a maximum of 5 mL in 24 hours. The use of this medication is not recommended in children under 4 years of age.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific recommendations regarding age considerations, dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the potential for altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully considered in these populations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus or infant.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data on the excretion of this drug in human breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have no specific information regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations provided in the drug insert. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the lack of data necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this medication. Consequently, there are no dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the prescribing information.

Overdosage

In the absence of specific overdosage information, it is essential for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant regarding the potential for overdose with any medication. In cases where an overdose is suspected, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Healthcare providers are advised to monitor patients closely for any signs or symptoms that may indicate an overdose. Common symptoms may include, but are not limited to, altered mental status, cardiovascular instability, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

Management of an overdose typically involves supportive care, which may include the following steps:

  1. Assessment: Conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient's clinical status, including vital signs and level of consciousness.

  2. Supportive Care: Provide symptomatic treatment as necessary, which may involve intravenous fluids, oxygen supplementation, or other interventions based on the patient's condition.

  3. Consultation: Engage with a poison control center or toxicology specialist for guidance on specific antidotes or additional management strategies, if applicable.

It is crucial for healthcare professionals to document the incident thoroughly and report any adverse events to the appropriate regulatory authorities. Continuous education on the signs of overdose and the importance of prompt intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes in such scenarios.

Nonclinical Toxicology

If pregnant or breast-feeding, it is advised to consult a health professional prior to use. No non-teratogenic effects have been specified in the available data. Additionally, there are no details provided regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified that side effects may occur following the use of the product. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report any adverse events to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Additionally, it has been noted that a cough persisting for more than 7 days, or a cough that recurs or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache, may indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. It is crucial to inform patients that this product should not be used concurrently with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Patients should also be cautioned against using this product for two weeks after discontinuing an MAOI. If patients are uncertain whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI, they should be encouraged to consult with their doctor or pharmacist.

Providers should alert patients to the presence of sodium metabisulfite in the formulation, which may trigger allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals. Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience any side effects. Additionally, they may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Patients should be advised to stop using the product and seek medical advice if their cough persists for more than seven days, returns after improvement, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a headache that lasts. These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition. Furthermore, healthcare providers should recommend that patients consult a doctor before using this product if they have a chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a bottle that requires careful handling and storage to maintain its efficacy. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20 °C to 25 °C (68 °F to 77 °F). Prior to use, the bottle must be shaken well to ensure proper mixing of the contents.

For accurate dosing, it is essential to measure the product only with the dosing cup provided. The dosing cup should not be used with any other products to prevent cross-contamination and ensure precise dosing.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Cough Dm, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Cough Dm, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

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Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.