Cold & Flu Treatment Over the Counter How to Use Robitussin DM By Kristina Duda, RN Kristina Duda, RN Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 26, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Michael Menna, DO Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO Michael Menna, DO, is board-certified in emergency medicine. He is an attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York and also works at an urgent care center and a telemedicine company that provides care to patients across the country. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Robitussin DM is an over-the-counter cough suppressant and expectorant. This medicine helps to control your cough and thin secretions so it is more productive. It is widely available under the brand name Robitussin and the same medicine may be purchased as a store brand or in generic form. Scott Olson / Getty Images News / Getty Images Common Uses The ingredients in this medicine help to loosen mucus and suppress coughing. People commonly take this medicine for coughs associated with colds, allergies, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses. Robitussin DM and its generic counterparts contain dextromethorphan HBr 10mg, which is a cough suppressant, and guaifenesin 100mg, which is an expectorant. It should not be used in children under 6 without talking to the child's doctor first. How to Choose the Best OTC Cough Medication for You Dosing 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 6 to 12: One teaspoon every four hours. Do not take more than six doses in 24 hours. Side Effects Every medication has the potential to cause side effects. Most are minor and the benefits outweigh the risks. Drowsiness or dizzinessHives or skin rashNausea, stomach pain or vomiting Rare but serious side effects that should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately: ConfusionExcitement, nervousness or restlessnessSevere nausea and vomitingSlurred speechSeizures or convulsions - in childrenShakey movements - in childrenSlow 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 healthcare provider before using this medicine if you have a chronic cough that is caused by asthma, smoking, or emphysema. If you have a cough that produces a lot of mucus, taking a cough suppressant can be problematic. Suppressing the cough can lead to secondary infections such as pneumonia because the mucus sits in the lungs rather than being expelled by coughing. Talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as well. Stop use and ask a healthcare provider if: Pain or cough worsens or lasts more than seven daysCough occurs with fever, headache, or rash that won't go away Do not give Robitussin or other cough suppressants to children under 6. How to Choose the Best OTC Cough Medication for You Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season. Sign up and get yours today. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Shadkam MN, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Mozayan MR. A Comparison of the Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and Diphenhydramine on Nightly Cough and Sleep Quality in Children and Their Parents. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2010;16(7):787-793. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0311 Taylor CP, Traynelis SF, Siffert J, Pope LE, Matsumoto RR. Pharmacology of dextromethorphan: Relevance to dextromethorphan/quinidine (Nuedexta®) clinical use. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2016;164:170-182. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.04.010 Dolansky G, Rieder M. What is the evidence for the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter cough and cold preparations for children younger than six years of age?. Paediatr Child Health. 2008;13(2):125–127. doi:10.1093/pch/13.2.125 Bem JL, Peck R. Dextromethorphan An Overview of Safety Issues. Drug Safety. 1992;7(3):190-199. doi:10.2165/00002018-199207030-00004 Additional Reading "Robitussin Cough Product Labeling." Wyeth Consumer Healthcare 2007.