What is a delsym?
An oral, over-the-counter medication called dextromethorphan (Delsym) is used to treat a “dry” cough, or a cough that does not produce mucus. You can choose the formulation that works best for you from a variety of options, including sugar-free options.
Delsym, one of the pioneers in developing long-lasting cough liquids in the 1980s, was the first cough liquid brand to offer 12 hours of complete cough relief. Delsym’s long-lasting delivery system was so unique that it inspired the brand name “Delivery System.”.
Delsym has products for the whole family. Children’s Delsym No. 1 Pediatric 12-Hour Cough Suppressant is the most recommended pediatric cough medicine by pharmacists, with daytime and nighttime formulas for adults and children.
Benefits of Delsym Cough:
Delsym 12 Hour provides long-lasting cough relief for the entire family. You can manage your cough for up to 24 hours if you take it twice a day. There’s no need to re-dose throughout the day.
There are no sulfuric acids or alcohol in Delsym 12 Hour. There are also relaxing grape and orange-flavored liquid versions of it available.
Although coughs typically go away on their own in three to four weeks, they can still be bothersome if they persist. Several over-the-counter medicines can help ease the symptoms.
Cough medicines are used to treat coughing, which usually occurs when you have an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). However, your symptoms will determine which cough medication is best for you. Typically, there are two types of cough medications: those that are used to treat a dry or tickly cough and those that are used to treat a chesty cough.
Pharmacist Rita Ghelani recommends the following over-the-counter medicines to treat both a chesty cough and a dry, tickly cough:
What is a cough?
There are two main types of coughs: a whooping cough and a dry cough. A cough is often associated with cold or flu symptoms. It can last for more than a week and is often the last sign of clearing up after a chest infection.
Coughing is a reflex reaction caused by irritation of the respiratory lining of the lungs, windpipe, and throat. It’s the body’s way of relieving irritation, and while persistent coughing can be frustrating and painful, it’s usually not related to anything serious.
best cough medicine for chesty coughs
A chesty cough results from the production of too much mucus, which can be thick and difficult to cough up. Ammonium chloride, squill, guaifenesin, and ipecacuanha are examples of active ingredients in medications that can help break up any excess mucus that may accumulate. These ingredients are known as expectorants.
best cough medicine for dry coughs
For a dry, hacking cough, an over-the-counter cough suppressant that blocks the natural cough reflex, such as pholcodine and dextromethorphan, should help.
delsym ingredients:
Drug Label Information
Active ingredients (in each 20 mL) | Purposes |
Acetaminophen 650 mg | Pain reliever/fever reducer |
Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg | Cough suppressant |
Triprolidine HCl 2.5 mg | Antihistamine |
delsym dosage:
- A cough suppressant available over-the-counter (OTC) called Delsym (dextromethorphan) can help with a dry cough. It is generally safe for most adults and children 4 years of age and older to take at recommended doses.
- Adults typically take 60 mg of Delsym orally every 12 hours, or as needed. Delsym shouldn’t be taken by adults who are on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
- The dosage of Delsym for children is based on their age. Doses can be as little as 15 mg or as much as 30 mg every 12 hours. Give Delsym only to children who are at least 4 years old.
- Brand-name Delsym is available over the counter. However, it is also available as a less expensive generic. If your doctor prescribes OTC Delsym, GoodRx can help you avoid spending too much money.
Medicines for dry coughs
- Benylin Dry Coughs syrup
- Covonia Original Balsam
- Robitussin Dry Cough
- Glycerin, Honey & Lemon linctus
best natural cough remedies
These natural remedies for persistent coughs should help ease your symptoms if they’re not improving after trying them:
Honey tea:
Research shows that honey can help relieve coughs. Try adding two teaspoons of honey to warm water or herbal tea. However, do not give honey to children under one year of age.
Drink plenty of fluids
Staying hydrated is important when fighting off a cold or flu. Additionally, research has shown that hot drinks can help relieve coughs, runny noses, or sneezing.
Stream inhalation
Pour boiling water into a large bowl, and try inhaling some of the stream with a tea towel over your head to loosen the mucus in your airways
Ginger tea:
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help relieve a dry or asthmatic cough. A study shows that ginger helps to calm the membranes in the airways, which can relieve coughing. Try ginger tea with hot water and fresh ginger.
Suck a lozenge or cough sweetly.
Cough sweets and lozenges will keep the back of the throat moist, relieving coughing.
Try vitamin supplements:
Supplements, including zinc, vitamin C, and echinacea, can boost your immune system.
Gargle with warm salt water.
Bacteria and viruses at the back of the throat should be removed with the use of salt water.
What is the best cough medicine?
For some people, OTC cough medicines can be a convenient option to keep a severe cough under control. You must choose the right product depending on the cause and type of cough. You’ll also want to avoid conflicts with any existing medical conditions. That is, the medication that best suits your individual needs will be the best choice for cough relief.
If you have a dry cough, an antitussive may be helpful. But if you have a productive cough, an expectorant can help you expel excess mucus. You can also find antiseptics and expectorants in combination products. Some also contain an antihistamine or decongestant to help with post-nasal drip.
Combination products are intended to treat multiple symptoms at the same time. These may also include medicines for pain, congestion, or fever. In this case, you’ll want to make sure you’re not taking anything you don’t need. For example, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is found in many OTC cough and cold products, which you may not realize without doing research.
If you are pregnant, taking medications, or have health conditions, talk to your provider before taking an OTC cough medicine.
Remember, OTC options don’t work for everyone. If all else fails, your healthcare provider can help you find prescription medications that may be able to provide some relief.
delsym kids:
Delsym® Children’s Cough + Chest Congestion DM Cough Liquid contains Dextromethorphan HBr to suppress cough and Guaifenesin to thin and loosen mucus and relieve chest congestion.
How much is 10 ml of cough syrup?
There are two teaspoons (2 tsp) in 10 mL. Three teaspoons make up one tablespoon (1 tablespoon or 1 tablespoon), which is three times larger than a teaspoon. 15 mL is also equal to one tablespoon.
How much is 5 ml of cough syrup?
Oral dosage form (syrup): 5 milliliters (mL) (1 teaspoonful) every 4–6 hours for adults and children 12 years of age and up. Never exceed 30 milliliters in 24 hours.
How much cough syrup can make you drunk?
Generally speaking, the safe dosage for DXM products is between 15 and 30 mg spread over 24 hours. Usually, getting high requires more than ten times that amount.