Guaifenesin-Dextromethorphan

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: May 25, 2023

Drug Details


Common Brands:

Alka-Seltzer Plus Mucus and Congestion, Children’s Mucinex Cough, Coricidin HBP Chest Congestion and Cough, Diabetic Tussin DM, Mucinex Cough for Kids, Mucinex DM, PediaCare Children’s Cough and Congestion, Robitussin Cough Chest Congestion DM, Tussin DM, and Vicks DayQuil Mucus Control DM

Availability:

Over-the-counter

Therapeutic Class:

Antitussive (cough suppressant) and expectorant

Forms:

Tablet, extended-release tablet, capsule, syrup, oral solution, dissolvable granules

Administration:

By mouth

Therapeutic Uses:

To loosen mucus (phlegm) and make it easier to clear from the respiratory passages

To provide temporary relief from cough due to common inhaled irritants or infections such as the common cold or flu

Controlled Status:

Not a controlled substance


Dextromethorphan-Guaifenesin Drug Class

Dextromethorphan (dex-troh-meth-ohr-fan) is an antitussive or cough suppressant. Guaifenesin (gwy-feneh-sin) is an expectorant.

Dextromethorphan-Guaifenesin Age Range

Adult-strength dextromethorphan and guaifenesin products are for use in adults and children 12 years of age and above. Children’s cough chest congestion DM products such as Children’s Mucinex Cough, Mucinex Cough for Kids, and PediaCare Children’s Cough and Congestion are for children between 4 and 12 years old. Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin is not safe for children under 4 years of age.