Meta Information
ID:dextromethorphan
Name:Dextromethorphan (Cough Suppressant)
Schema Version:1.5
Alternate Names
- DXM
- Robitussin
- Delsym
Active Compound
dextromethorphan
Intervention Type
therapeutic_agent
Delivery
Route:
oral
Scope:
- systemic
Regulatory Status
- us:otc_drug
- us:rx_drug
Indication
Focus:
symptom_management
Description:
Temporary relief of cough caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation.
Typical Protocol
- For cough suppression, 10-20 mg every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6-8 hours as needed.
- Extended-release formulations are typically dosed at 60 mg every 12 hours.
Expected Cost Mean
Low Cost:
5
High Cost:
20
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Generic over-the-counter cough syrup; not typically covered by insurance.
Summary
Dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex by acting on the brain's cough center in the medulla oblongata. It also functions as a sigma-1 receptor agonist and NMDA receptor antagonist, mechanisms being explored for potential neuroprotective and antidepressant effects, though its relevance to general healthspan is currently speculative and unproven in humans.
Purpose
An over-the-counter drug for suppressing cough with speculative neuroprotective properties.
Card Summary
An over-the-counter cough suppressant with speculative neuroprotective properties via sigma-1 receptor agonism.
Drug Class
morphinan_antitussive
Drugs In Class
Empty Array
Impact
Score:
2
Justification:
No direct human evidence for healthspan benefits; based on speculative preclinical mechanisms.
Evidence
Grade:
C
Score:
2.5
Justification:
Evidence is limited to preclinical models exploring its secondary pharmacological targets.
Safety
Score:
4.5
Justification:
Generally safe at OTC doses but has abuse potential and risk of serotonin syndrome.
Flags
- High potential for abuse at supratherapeutic doses, causing dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.
- Risk of life-threatening serotonin syndrome when combined with MAOIs, SSRIs, or SNRIs.
- Metabolism is highly variable due to CYP2D6 genetic polymorphisms, affecting efficacy and safety.
- Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and confusion.
Verdict
An unproven healthspan agent; use only for its intended purpose (cough).
Created
2026-04-30T01:27:58.297902Z
Ai Model
Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)
Non Healthspan
True