How to Take Delsym: Side Effects, Dosage
How to take Delsym as directed: recommended dosage, common side effects, and precautions for cough relief.
Not medical advice. Speak with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
Reviewed by:
Updated Feb, 15
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Information sourced from FDA-approved prescribing information and peer-reviewed medical references.
How to Take Delsym
How to Take Delsym
The following steps reflect standard OTC label instructions for Delsym (dextromethorphan polistirex extended-release suspension). Use the included dosing cup and shake the bottle well before each dose.
- Per OTC labeling, adults and teens 12+ years: 10 mL (60 mg) every 12 hours; do not exceed 20 mL in 24 hours.
- Per OTC labeling, children 6–11 years: 5 mL (30 mg) every 12 hours; do not exceed 10 mL in 24 hours.
- Per OTC labeling, children 4–5 years: 2.5 mL (15 mg) every 12 hours; do not exceed 5 mL in 24 hours.
- Per OTC labeling, under 4 years: Do not use.
• Per OTC labeling, take with or without food.
• Measure carefully using the cup provided, as kitchen spoons vary in volume.
• Swallow the liquid; do not mix with other medicines unless your clinician has advised it.
• Per OTC labeling, if you miss a dose and still need cough relief, take it when you remember, but keep at least 12 hours between doses.
• Per OTC labeling, avoid other products containing dextromethorphan while using Delsym.
Warnings Before Taking Delsym
Per OTC labeling, avoid if using MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping them, as serious or fatal reactions can occur.
Per OTC labeling, use caution with antidepressants (risk of serotonin syndrome); consult your clinician.
Per OTC labeling, check with your doctor if you have asthma, chronic cough, emphysema, or liver disease.
Per OTC labeling, avoid alcohol, which can increase central nervous system depression.
Per OTC labeling, confirm all ingredients to avoid taking duplicate doses of dextromethorphan from other cough medicines.
Delsym Side Effects
Common
Mild
Drowsiness
Per OTC labeling, some people feel drowsy after taking Delsym. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
2-6 hours
Occasional
Mild
Nausea
Per OTC labeling, Delsym can occasionally cause nausea or upset stomach.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1-3 hours
Occasional
Mild
Dizziness
Per OTC labeling, feeling lightheaded or dizzy can occur when taking dextromethorphan.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1-4 hours
Common
Mild
Dry Mouth
Per OTC labeling, you may notice your mouth feeling unusually dry while taking Delsym.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1-3 hours
Occasional
Mild
Mild Stomach Upset
Per OTC labeling, some people experience mild stomach cramping or bloating with dextromethorphan use.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1-4 hours
Uncommon
Mild
Trouble Sleeping
Per OTC labeling, although uncommon, restlessness or difficulty sleeping may occur after taking Delsym.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1-3 hours
Contact Us for a Personalized Care Plan
Have questions about compounding? Contact Voshell's Pharmacy — we prepare patient-specific medications pursuant to valid prescriptions from your licensed prescriber.
What If You Forgot to Take Delsym
What If You Forgot to Take Delsym?
Per OTC labeling, if you miss a dose of Delsym, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, simply skip the forgotten dose.
Per OTC labeling, do not double up or take extra to make up for the missed amount.
Return to your usual dosing schedule.
If you are unsure whether it is too close to the next dose, skip and resume your regular schedule.
What If You Took Too Much Delsym
If You Took Too Much Delsym by Accident
If more than the labeled amount was used, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. For children or if a large amount was ingested, seek urgent medical care immediately.
- Do not use additional doses until you have spoken with Poison Control or a clinician.
- If symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, severe drowsiness, confusion, or seizures occur, seek emergency medical care.
- Keep this and all medications out of reach of children.
How Much Does Delsym Cost
Delsym Cost With Insurance
With many U.S. insurance plans, Delsym is typically an over‑the‑counter product, and coverage varies by plan. Some plans may not cover OTC products, in which case you pay the retail price. Using your plan's preferred pharmacy may affect the price.
Prices vary by pharmacy, dose, location, and insurance plan and may have changed since this page was written. Contact your pharmacy or insurance provider for current pricing.
How Much Does Delsym Cost without Insurance
Delsym Cost Without Insurance
Without insurance, the price of Delsym can vary depending on the store and bottle size. Store-brand versions of the same active ingredient (dextromethorphan extended-release) are typically less expensive than the brand-name product.
Prices vary by pharmacy, dose, location, and insurance plan and may have changed since this page was written. Contact your pharmacy or insurance provider for current pricing.
Resources:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=81ce0f5c-7fb4-4b0b-a3fe-0b5a74f4d644
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682492.html
https://www.delsym.com/products/12-hour-cough-relief/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dextromethorphan-oral-route/description/drg-20068661
