1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Cold & Flu

Before You Buy Robitussin DM

By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com

Updated May 01, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Robitussin DM is an over-the-counter cough suppressant and expectorant. Robitussin DM helps control your cough and thin secretions so the cough is more productive.

Active Ingredients (in each 5ml teaspoon):

Dextromethorphan HBr 10mg (cough suppressant)
Guafenisen 100mg (expectorant)

Dosage:

Adults 12 and older - Two teaspoons every four hours as needed for cough. Do not take more than six doses in 24 hours.
Children ages six to 12 - One teaspoon every four hours. Do not take more than six doses in 24 hours.
Children ages two to six - One half (1/2) teaspoon every four hours. Do not take more than six doses in 24 hours.
Children under age two - Ask your doctor.

Uses for Robitussin DM:

Temporary relief of cough due to throat irritation from:

  • Common Cold
  • Flu
  • Inhaled Irritants

Helps loosen phlegm (mucous) and thins bronchial secretions to make cough more productive.

Side Effects of Robitussin DM:

  • Drowsiness or dizziness
  • Hives or skin rash
  • Nausea, stomach pain or vomiting

Rare but serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately:

  • Confusion
  • Excitement, nervousness or restlessness
  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizures or convulsions - in children
  • Shakey movements - in children
  • Slow or troubled breathing - in children

Warnings:

  • Do not use this medication if you are taking an MAOI (medication for depression, psychiatric, emotional conditions or Parkinson's disease) or for two weeks after stopping an MAOI.

  • Ask a Doctor Before Use:

    • If you have a chronic cough that is caused by asthma, smoking or emphysema
    • If you have a cough that produces a lot of mucous
    • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

    Caution:

    Stop use and ask doctor if:

    • Pain or cough worsens or lasts more than seven days
    • Cough occurs with fever, headache or rash won't go away

    More Information:

    Source:

    "Robitussin Cough Product Labeling." Wyeth Consumer Healthcare 2007. 11 May 2007.

    Explore Cold & Flu
    About.com Special Features

    Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

    Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

    We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
    1. Home
    2. Health
    3. Cold & Flu
    4. Medication and Tools
    5. Over the Counter Medication
    6. Cough Medications
    7. Robitussin DM - What is Robitussin DM

    ©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

    All rights reserved.