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.
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.
While DXM is used safely by millions of Americans, some teenagers and young adults are intentionally abusing large quantities of medicines containing DXM in an effort to get high.
CHPA supports legislation that would prohibit the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines containing dextromethorphan to teens under the age of 18.
This Proposed Safety Administrative Order addresses the GRASE status of codeine, codeine phosphate, and codeine sulfate as antitussive active ingredients.
The Health In Hand Foundation’s mobile-friendly website, HealthInHand.org, provides consumers with easily accessible information and guidance on how to safely use, store, and dispose of self-care products.
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.
