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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Purple liquid medicine being poured into dosing cup
Dextromethorphan (DXM) in the States

Dextromethorphan serves as a safe, effective antitussive ingredient in many critical OTC cough and cold formulations. While reasonable age restrictions may curb adolescent misuse without limiting adult access, lawmakers should refrain from unnecessary additional barriers. Targeted age controls strike the right balance between safety and availability.

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

Sep 1, 2016

Browse DXM (dextromethorphan) Content

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

happy group of teens

Press Releases and Statements

Monitoring the Future Survey Shows Teen Misuse of OTC Cough Medicine Remains Very Low

The 2018 results from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and University of Michigan's annual drug abuse survey, Monitoring the Future, show that the percentage of teens using OTC cough medicine containing dextromethorphan to get high remains at three percent.

Dec 17, 2018

front view of the pennsylvania state house on a sunny day

Press Releases and Statements

CHPA Praises Pennsylvania Lawmakers for Age-18 Sales Law on Cough Medicine

Yesterday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed into law HB 1951, legislation prohibiting the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM) to minors.

Oct 25, 2018

Colorado State Capitol on a sunny day

Press Releases and Statements

New Colorado Law Prohibits Sale of OTC Cough Medicine to Minors

CHPA applauds Colorado for enacting a law prohibiting the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM) to minors this week.

Aug 10, 2018

Colorado State Capitol on a sunny day

Press Releases and Statements

Colorado Becomes the 16th State to Sign Age-18 Sales Law on Cough Medicine

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed into law HB 1307, legislation prohibiting the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM) to minors.

May 14, 2018

view of Wisconsin capitol building from above

Press Releases and Statements

CHPA Applauds Wisconsin Lawmakers for Age-18 Sales Law on Cough Medicine

CHPA thanks Governor Walker for signing this important bill into law as well as Senator Stroebel and Representative Kremer for their leadership and commitment to passing legislation aimed at addressing the issue of teen OTC cough medicine abuse

Mar 28, 2018

Black teenager on their smartphone

Press Releases and Statements

New Results from Annual Survey Show Teen Misuse of OTC Cough Medicine Remains Very Low

The 2017 results from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and University of Michigan’s annual drug abuse survey were released today showing that the percentage of teens using OTC cough medicine containing DXM to get high remains at just three percent, the lowest level recorded since 2015.

Dec 14, 2017

Black teenager on their smartphone

Press Releases and Statements

New Nevada Law Prohibits Sale of OTC Cough Medicine to Minors

Today, CHPA announced a new initiative to support retailers in states that have adopted laws prohibiting the sale of OTC medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan to minors. The announcement comes on the heels of Nevada’s enactment of a DXM age-restriction law last week.

Oct 11, 2017

Black teenager on their smartphone

Press Releases and Statements

CHPA Applauds Oregon Lawmakers for Age-18 Sales Law on Cough Medicine

To combat teen abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM), Oregon Governor Kate Brown today signed legislation prohibiting the sale of DXM-containing products to minors.

Jun 15, 2017

Black teenager on their smartphone

Press Releases and Statements

CHPA Applauds Nevada Lawmakers for Age-18 Sales Law on Cough Medicine

This week, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval signed legislation prohibiting the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM) to minors.

Jun 1, 2017

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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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