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

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

happy group of teens

Press Releases and Statements

National Survey Shows Teen Abuse of OTC Cough Medicine Remains at All-Time Low

“The results of this year’s Monitoring the Future survey demonstrate that prevention through education works,” Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) President and CEO Scott Melville said.

Dec 13, 2016

Black teenager on their smartphone

Press Releases and Statements

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

Nov 28, 2016

parents with sick children

Press Releases and Statements

Over-the-Counter Cough Medicines Will Save Consumers, U.S. Healthcare System Billions Over Next Decade

A recent study conducted by Charles River Associates, a leading global consulting firm, has quantified the savings consumers and the healthcare system receive from the over-the-counter (OTC) availability of the widely used cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM).

Nov 1, 2016

Man wrapped in a blanket blowing his nose.

Research Reports

Managing Access to Dextromethorphan: Cost Implications of a Potential Over-the-Counter to Prescription-Only Conversion

Government officials have tried to balance the positives of OTC access against the negatives of potential abuse. This paper aims to inform this discussion by quantifying various costs that would result if products with DXM were converted from OTC to Rx.

Oct 1, 2016

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

happy group of teens

Press Releases and Statements

OTC Industry Program to Reduce Teen Abuse of Cough Medicine Containing Dextromethorphan Explored in Peer-Reviewed Journal

Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy recently published a case study authored by CHPA about the association’s efforts to curb teen abuse of OTC cough medicine containing dextromethorphan.

Jun 27, 2016

Black teenager on their smartphone

Press Releases and Statements

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

CHPA released the following statement today in support of a Delaware law prohibiting the sale of OTC medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM) to minors.

Jun 17, 2016

three quarter view of U.S. capitol building from below

Press Releases and Statements

CHPA Applauds Senate Introduction of DXM Abuse Prevention Act

CHPA is pleased to lend its strong support for the DXM Abuse Prevention Act (S. 2994), introduced into the U.S. Senate by Senators Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

May 16, 2016

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Related Program 

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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