What is Delsym: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Delsym overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Babee Cof Syrup, Children's Robitussin Cough Long Acting, Children's Triaminic Long Acting Cough, Cough DM, Creomulsion Cough, Creomulsion For Children, Delsym, Dextromethorphan Polistirex, Father John's Medicine, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Children's Cough DM, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Cough DM, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Cough DM ER, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Cough Gels, Good Neighbor Tussin, Good Sense Children's Cough DM, Babee Cof Syrup, Children's Robitussin Cough Long Acting, Children's Triaminic Long Acting Cough, Cough DM, Creomulsion Cough, Creomulsion For Children, Delsym, Dextromethorphan Polistirex, EntexPAC, Father John's Medicine, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Children's Cough DM, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Cough DM, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Cough DM ER, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Cough Gels, Good Neighbor Tussin

Generic Names:

  • Dextromethorphan Polistirex Er

Uses:

  • Treats dry coughs caused by colds, flu, and lung infections., Treats a cough.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antitussive, Analgesic, Anesthetic, Local, Antitussive

Forms:

  • Liquid, Lozenge, Liquid Filled Capsule, Capsule, Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Lozenge, Liquid, Thin Sheet, Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, By mouth

What form(s) does Delsym come in

  • Liquid

  • Lozenge

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

  • Chewable Tablet

  • Lozenge

  • Liquid

  • Thin Sheet

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

What are common Delsym doses?

  • Bottle 89ML of 30MG/5ML

  • Bottle 148ML of 30MG/5ML

Common Delsym prescriptions

  • Delsym
    89ml of 30mg/5ml bottle

How to take Delsym

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food.

  • The chewable tablet can be chewed or crushed or swallowed whole. Drink plenty of water after swallowing the tablet.

  • Slowly dissolve the lozenge in your mouth.

  • Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food.

  • The chewable tablet can be chewed or crushed or swallowed whole. Drink plenty of water after swallowing the tablet.

  • Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Slowly dissolve the lozenge in your mouth.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You might need to shake the liquid before using it.

  • Swallow the liquid-filled capsule whole, such as Tessalon Perles® or Tessalon Capsules®. Do not chew, break, or suck on the liquid-filled capsule.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You might need to shake the liquid before using it.

  • Swallow the liquid-filled capsule whole, such as Tessalon Perles® or Tessalon Capsules®. Do not chew, break, or suck on the liquid-filled capsule.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

What to do if you miss a dose of Delsym

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. It is not usually a concern if you miss one dose.

  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

Delsym contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dextromethorphan. You should not use this medicine if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (such as Parnate®, Nardil®, or Marplan®) or if you have used one of these medicines in the past 2 weeks. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to an antitussive (cough suppressants), or if you are also using an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®, or Marplan® or you have used one within the past 2 weeks. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

Delsym warnings

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma or liver disease.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Talk to your doctor if you have ever had asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart disease, seizure disorders, an overactive thyroid, chronic bronchitis, or a liver disease before you take this medicine.

  • Call your doctor if your cough does not improve or last longer than 7 days.

  • Call your doctor if your cough gets worse, if you cough up yellow mucus, or if you have a fever, rash, sore throat, vomiting, or continuing headache with the cough.

Delsym interactions

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking sleeping pills, sedatives, cold and allergy medicines, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, or pain pills before you take this medicine.

  • Call your doctor if your cough does not improve or last longer than 7 days.

  • Call your doctor if your cough gets worse, if you cough up yellow mucus, or if you have a fever, rash, sore throat, vomiting, or continuing headache with the cough.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma or liver disease.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Delsym side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Slowed or difficulty breathing

  • Severe drowsiness

  • Rash or itching

  • Nervousness or restlessness

  • Mild drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, or restlessness

  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, or restlessness

  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain

  • Drowsiness, dizziness

  • Nervousness or restlessness

  • Constipation

  • Upset stomach