Delsym Syrup: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Delsym Syrup contains dextromethorphan polistirex, an antitussive (cough suppressant) available over-the-counter. It is used to temporarily relieve coughs without phlegm caused by infections of the air passages, such as sinusitis or the common cold. It works by acting on the part of the brain that controls the cough reflex, providing long-lasting relief for up to 12 hours with its extended-release form.

What is Delsym Syrup

Delsym is an over-the-counter cough suppressant used to treat cough caused by the common cold or flu. Its active ingredient, dextromethorphan, works on the part of the brain that controls the cough reflex.

Delsym Syrup uses

• Temporary relief of coughs without phlegm caused by infections of the air passages, such as sinusitis or the common cold
• Not usually meant for an ongoing cough caused by smoking or long-term breathing problems like chronic bronchitis or emphysema unless a doctor directs it
• Not for treating cough caused by asthma or emphysema

Benefits of Delsym Syrup

• Provides long-lasting cough relief, up to 12 hours with the extended-release form
• Helps reduce the frequency and intensity of coughing so the body can rest and recover
• Available over-the-counter for easy access

How Delsym Syrup works

Delsym contains dextromethorphan, which suppresses cough by reducing the urge to cough. It acts on the part of the brain that triggers the cough reflex.

Delsym Syrup dosage

Take by mouth, usually as needed or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk. Use a medication-measuring device to measure your dose of liquid medicine; do not use a household spoon. Shake the product well before measuring out your dose if it is a suspension.

If your doctor tells you to take it daily, take it at the same time each day to help you remember. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for longer than directed. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy.

Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years, and should not be used in that age group unless a doctor specifically says to. Call your doctor if your symptoms last or get worse after more than 1 week, or if you also have fever, chills, headache, or rash.

Available forms and strengths

• Syrup/liquid
• Lozenges

Side effects of Delsym Syrup

Common

• Nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Tingling
• Feeling restless
• Abdominal pain with cramps
• Drowsiness

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe nervousness, confusion
• Severe dizziness or drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Painful or difficult urination

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the past two weeks, as this can cause a serious, possibly fatal, drug interaction.
• Cough-and-cold products have not been proven safe or effective in children younger than 6 years and should not be used in this age group unless a doctor specifically directs it.
• Misusing this medicine (taking more than directed) can cause serious harm, including brain damage, seizures, or death.
• Do not give other cough-and-cold medicine that may contain the same or similar ingredients, to avoid double-dosing.
• Delsym should not be given to children younger than 12 years old for this particular product.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant. Available human data show no increased risk for major birth defects, but animal data suggest possible developmental toxicity.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding. Low levels of the drug pass into breast milk, and no adverse effects in infants are expected.
• Consult a doctor if the cough lasts more than 7 days, returns, or occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose or use it more often than directed.
• Alcohol may increase drowsiness and other side effects of this medicine.
• This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so use care when driving a vehicle or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
• Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have severe nervousness or confusion, severe dizziness or drowsiness, blurred vision, or painful or difficult urination.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week, or if you develop a fever, rash, or headaches.
• If you think you have taken too much, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center right away.
• Tell your doctor if your symptoms last or worsen after more than a week, or if you also have fever, chills, headache, or rash, as these may signal a more serious condition.

Alternatives

• Benylin
• Creomulsion
• Babee Cof
• Buckley's Mixture Cough Suppressant
• Children's Cough DM
• Children's Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief
• Cough DM
• Robitussin DM
• Benylin DM