DXM (dextromethorphan)

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a safe and effective ingredient found in more than 100 over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines. First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 1950s, it is a non-narcotic cough suppressant that works by raising the coughing threshold in the brain. It has no pain-relieving properties and is not addictive.

Preventing Teen Cough Medicine Abuse

While millions of Americans use DXM safely each year to relieve cough symptoms due to the common cold or flu, data released in December 2016 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) annual Monitoring the Future survey shows that approximately three percent of teens admit to abusing OTC cough medicines containing DXM to get high. CHPA works diligently to stop the spread of this important public health issue.

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Press Releases and Statements

CHPA Statement Regarding Use of Dextromethorphan and COVID-19

There is currently no clinical data indicating that dextromethorphan has a pro-viral effect in people with COVID-19 infection. The study results published in Nature are experimental, preliminary, and not conclusive.

May 6, 2020

Over the Next Ten Years DXM Will Save Consumers and the Healthcare System $22-31 Billion

Infographic

Over the Next Ten Years DXM Will Save Consumers and the Healthcare System $22-31 Billion

Sep 1, 2016

Browse DXM (dextromethorphan) Content

Video

CHPA Takes Action to Combat DXM Abuse

CHPA, in partnership with its members and state legislatures, takes decisive action to combat teen abuse of dextromethorphan.

Jul 1, 2021

black and white logo for stopmedicineabuse.org

Press Releases and Statements

Ohio Becomes 21st State to Adopt Age-18 Sales Law for Cough Medicine

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law HB 9, prohibiting the sale of DXM-containing products to minors.

Jul 1, 2021

Black teenager on their smartphone

Press Releases and Statements

National Survey Shows Slight Increase in Teen Abuse of OTC Cough Medicine

The results of the 2020 National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future survey shows more teens reported using OTC cough medicine containing DXM to get high than in 2019.

Dec 15, 2020

Black teenager on their smartphone

Research Reports

State Summary of Age-18 Sales Restrictions for Dextromethorphan

List of laws by state summarizing sales restrictions of dextromethorphan to minors.

Dec 1, 2020

blue coronavirus particles on dark background

Press Releases and Statements

CHPA Statement Regarding Use of Dextromethorphan and COVID-19

There is currently no clinical data indicating that dextromethorphan has a pro-viral effect in people with COVID-19 infection. The study results published in Nature are experimental, preliminary, and not conclusive.

May 6, 2020

happy group of teens

Press Releases and Statements

Teen Misuse of OTC Cough Medicine Remains at Historic Lows

The 2019 results from the NIDA and University of Michigan’s annual drug abuse survey, Monitoring the Future, show that the number of teens using OTC cough medicine containing DXM to get high decreased slightly.

Dec 18, 2019

Michigan State Capitol building on a cloudy day

Press Releases and Statements

Michigan Becomes 20th State to Adopt Age-18 Sales Law on Cough Medicine

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed HB 4412, legislation to combat teen abuse of OTC medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM).

Nov 14, 2019

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black and white logo for stopmedicineabuse.org

The Stop Medicine Abuse campaign aims to educate parents about how to talk with their children, safeguard their medicines, and spread the word to other parents.

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