Delsym (dextromethorphan) and Robitussin-DM (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan) are over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to treat certain symptoms of the common cold. Both medications can reducecough, but Robitussin-DM can also help loosen mucus and relievechest congestion.
Understanding the differences and similarities between Delsym and Robitussin-DM can help you make the decision that’s right for you.
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Main Differences and Similarities
Delsym and Robitussin-DM contain the active ingredient dextromethorphan, acough suppressant. In addition to dextromethorphan, Robitussin-DM also contains the active ingredient guaifenesin. This is anexpectorantthat helps thin and loosen mucus in your lungs, airways, and throat to help you cough it up.
Understanding Delsym
Delsym doesn’t cure the condition that causes coughing. Instead, it temporarily reduces the urge to cough. Excessive coughing can keep you up at night, irritate your throat, or cause voice hoarseness. Delsym can help relieve coughing and allow you to get more rest at night. And studies have shown that getting bettersleepcan help your body fight infections.
Uses of Delsym
Delsym is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to temporarily relieve cough due to breathing conditions, such as:
Delsym 12-Hour Cough Liquid is approved for adults and children as young as 4 years of age.Adults and children 12 years and older may use the oral caplets.Delsym is most useful if you have adry cough. A dry cough is a cough that doesn’t produce any mucus. Common causes of dry cough include:
What Are the Side Effects of Delsym?
Delsym is generally safe to use, but it may cause side effects in some people. Below are some possible Delsym side effects:
Seek emergency medical treatment right away if you think you’ve taken too much Delsym.
Precautions
Although you can get Delsym without a prescription, there are some precautions to watch for before taking this medication.
Delsym can interact with some drugs.You should not take Delsym if you’re taking amonoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)or have stopped taking an MAOI within the past two weeks.Examples of MAOIs include:
If you’re unsure whether your medications interact with Delsym, talk with your pharmacist or other healthcare professional before taking Delsym.
Remember that Delsym is meant to be used for temporary cough relief.Reach out to a healthcare professional if you have:
Understanding Robitussin-DM
Robitussin-DM is a combination cough medication that has two active ingredients.They are dextromethorphan and guaifenesin.As previously mentioned, dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant, while guaifenesin is an expectorant.
Uses of Robitussin-DM
Robitussin-DM is FDA-approved for:
What Are the Side Effects of Robitussin?
Because Robitussin-DM and Delsym have dextromethorphanas an ingredient, they may have similar side effects, such as:
If you think you’ve taken too much Robitussin-DM, seek emergency medical care right away.
Like Delsym, Robitussin-DM can also interact with MAOIs. Do not take Robitussin-DM if you’re taking an MAOI or have stopped taking this type of medication within the past two weeks.If you take prescription medications, talk with your healthcare professional or pharmacist before taking Robitussin-DM. They can tell you whether the medications you take interact with Robitussin-DM.
Robitussin-DM is also meant to be used as a temporary treatment. As with Delsym, you should contact your healthcare professional if you have:
Summary
Delsym and Robitussin-DM are OTC medications that temporarily relieve cough due to breathing conditions, such as the common cold or flu. Both medications contain a cough suppressant, but Robitussin-DM also has an expectorant to help loosen mucus.
Delsym can be helpful if you have a dry cough, while Robitussin-DM is best for a productive (wet) cough and chest congestion. Both medications are generally safe to use despite their mild side effects.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan.Irwin MR.Why sleep is important for health: a psychoneuroimmunology perspective.Annu Rev Psychol. 2015;66:143-172. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115205DailyMed.Label: Delsym (dextromethorphan)- dextromethorphan suspension, extended release.DailyMed.Label: Delsym cough - dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet.MedlinePlus.Cough.MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan overdose.DailyMed.Label: Robitussin maximum strength cough plus chest congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin capsule, liquid filled.DailyMed.Label: Robitussin cough plus chest congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution.MedlinePlus.Guaifenesin.Tripathi S, Nikhare A, Sharma G, Shea T, Albrecht H.Safety and tolerability of extended-release guaifenesin in patients with cough, thickened mucus and chest congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection.Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2019;11(1):87-94. doi:10.2147/DHPS.S222109Ohar JA, Donohue JF, Spangenthal S.The role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic mucus hypersecretion associated with stable chronic bronchitis: a comprehensive review.Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. 2019;6(4):341-349. doi:10.15326/jcopdf.6.4.2019.0139
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan.Irwin MR.Why sleep is important for health: a psychoneuroimmunology perspective.Annu Rev Psychol. 2015;66:143-172. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115205DailyMed.Label: Delsym (dextromethorphan)- dextromethorphan suspension, extended release.DailyMed.Label: Delsym cough - dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet.MedlinePlus.Cough.MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan overdose.DailyMed.Label: Robitussin maximum strength cough plus chest congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin capsule, liquid filled.DailyMed.Label: Robitussin cough plus chest congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution.MedlinePlus.Guaifenesin.Tripathi S, Nikhare A, Sharma G, Shea T, Albrecht H.Safety and tolerability of extended-release guaifenesin in patients with cough, thickened mucus and chest congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection.Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2019;11(1):87-94. doi:10.2147/DHPS.S222109Ohar JA, Donohue JF, Spangenthal S.The role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic mucus hypersecretion associated with stable chronic bronchitis: a comprehensive review.Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. 2019;6(4):341-349. doi:10.15326/jcopdf.6.4.2019.0139
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan.Irwin MR.Why sleep is important for health: a psychoneuroimmunology perspective.Annu Rev Psychol. 2015;66:143-172. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115205DailyMed.Label: Delsym (dextromethorphan)- dextromethorphan suspension, extended release.DailyMed.Label: Delsym cough - dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet.MedlinePlus.Cough.MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan overdose.DailyMed.Label: Robitussin maximum strength cough plus chest congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin capsule, liquid filled.DailyMed.Label: Robitussin cough plus chest congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution.MedlinePlus.Guaifenesin.Tripathi S, Nikhare A, Sharma G, Shea T, Albrecht H.Safety and tolerability of extended-release guaifenesin in patients with cough, thickened mucus and chest congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection.Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2019;11(1):87-94. doi:10.2147/DHPS.S222109Ohar JA, Donohue JF, Spangenthal S.The role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic mucus hypersecretion associated with stable chronic bronchitis: a comprehensive review.Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. 2019;6(4):341-349. doi:10.15326/jcopdf.6.4.2019.0139
MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan.
Irwin MR.Why sleep is important for health: a psychoneuroimmunology perspective.Annu Rev Psychol. 2015;66:143-172. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115205
DailyMed.Label: Delsym (dextromethorphan)- dextromethorphan suspension, extended release.
DailyMed.Label: Delsym cough - dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet.
MedlinePlus.Cough.
MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan overdose.
DailyMed.Label: Robitussin maximum strength cough plus chest congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin capsule, liquid filled.
DailyMed.Label: Robitussin cough plus chest congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution.
MedlinePlus.Guaifenesin.
Tripathi S, Nikhare A, Sharma G, Shea T, Albrecht H.Safety and tolerability of extended-release guaifenesin in patients with cough, thickened mucus and chest congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection.Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2019;11(1):87-94. doi:10.2147/DHPS.S222109
Ohar JA, Donohue JF, Spangenthal S.The role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic mucus hypersecretion associated with stable chronic bronchitis: a comprehensive review.Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. 2019;6(4):341-349. doi:10.15326/jcopdf.6.4.2019.0139
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