Both medications can reducecough, but Robitussin-DM can also help loosen mucus and relievechest congestion.

In addition to dextromethorphan, Robitussin-DM also contains the active ingredient guaifenesin.

Understanding Delsym

Delsym contains the active ingredient dextromethorphan.

Robitussin brand cough and chest congestion medication

Getty Images |Bloomberg/ Contributor

Dextromethorphan works by reducing activity in the part of your brain that triggers you to cough.

Delsym doesn’t cure the condition that causes coughing.

Instead, it temporarily reduces the urge to cough.

Excessive coughing can keep you up at night, irritate your throat, or cause voice hoarseness.

Delsym can help relieve coughing and allow you to get more rest at night.

And studies have shown that getting bettersleepcan help your body fight infections.

A dry cough is a cough that doesn’t produce any mucus.

Common causes of dry cough include:

What Are the Side Effects of Delsym?

Delsym is generally safe to use, but it may cause side effects in some people.

And don’t take more Delsym than recommended.

An expectorant helps you cough upmucusand phlegm.

Guaifenesin works by thinning and breaking up mucus and phlegm in your lungs, airways, and throat.

This makes it easier to cough up the mucus and clear your airways.

However, other Robitussin-DM products are approved for younger children.

Like Delsym, Robitussin-DM can also interact with MAOIs.

They can tell you whether the medications you take interact with Robitussin-DM.

Robitussin-DM is also meant to be used as a temporary treatment.

Both medications contain a cough suppressant, but Robitussin-DM also has an expectorant to help loosen mucus.

Both medications are generally safe to use despite their mild side effects.

Remember that both Delsym and Robitussin-DM are meant to be used for temporary cough relief.

If you take other medications, it’s important to check with your pharmacist before taking Delsym or Robitussin-DM.

They can determine whether either drug interacts with other medications you take.

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2015;66:143-172. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115205

DailyMed.Label: Delsym (dextromethorphan)- dextromethorphan suspension, extended release.

DailyMed.Label: Delsym cough - dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet.

DailyMed.Label: Robitussin maximum strength cough plus chest congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin capsule, liquid filled.

DailyMed.Label: Robitussin cough plus chest congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution.

2019;6(4):341-349. doi:10.15326/jcopdf.6.4.2019.0139