Digging Deeper on DXM
To help prevent DXM abuse, it’s important to further understand where the active ingredient is found and how to identify products that contain it. Let’s dig deeper.
DXM abuse is a problem
Many parents are aware of the dangers of illicit drugs, but prescription and (OTC) medicines are sometimes overlooked as a source of substance abuse.
Myths about this type of substance abuse and a lack of awareness among parents are barriers to preventing it.
Data collected in 2024 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse for its Monitoring the Future study estimates the intentional abuse of OTC cough medicine among 8th, 10th and 12th graders is at 4.4%, 4% and 2.8%, respectively.
Where is DXM found?
- Alka Seltzer Plus™
- Comtrex™
- Coricidin™
- Delsym™
- Dimetapp™
- Mucinex DM™
- Pediacare™
- Robitussin™
- Theraflu™
- Triaminic™
- Tylenol Cough & Cold™
- Vicks DayQuil™/NyQuil™
- Vicks Formula 44™
- See the full list (link)
More than 100 OTC medicines containing DXM are on the market today. These medicines come in the form of liquids, capsules, gelcaps, lozenges and tablets. Common DXM-containing cough medicines include:
Identifying DXM-containing products
- Look for the Stop Medicine Abuse icon on medicine boxes and bottle.
- Read the DRUG FACTS label to look for dextromethorphan in the Active Ingredients