Compare Robitussin DM vs. Delsym

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Robitussin Dm (Guaifenesin / Dextromethorphan)

Over-the-counter

Delsym (Dextromethorphan)

Over-the-counter

Breaks up mucus and relieves cough.

Robitussin Dm (Guaifenesin / Dextromethorphan) is okay for loosening congestion in your chest and throat, but it could prevent you from coughing the mucus up. You have to take it more often than other guaifenesin products.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 724 reviewsforRobitussin DM

Relieves coughing.

Delsym (Dextromethorphan) is a good option for treating dry cough. It's not safe to take with MAO inhibitors though.

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3.3/ 5 average rating with 127 reviewsforDelsym

Upsides

Robitussin Dm (Guaifenesin / Dextromethorphan) is a combination medicine that relieves multiple cold symptoms. It's good to use if you have chest congestion and a cough.
Helps loosen the mucus and phlegm that builds up and causes productive, wet coughs.

Good for treating dry cough.
Available in drugstores either by itself or in combination with other medications to treat cold and allergy symptoms.
Available as a liquid and a tablet.
Some products relieve cough for up to 12 hours.

Downsides

Robitussin Dm (Guaifenesin / Dextromethorphan) isn’t useful if you have a dry cough without mucus or phlegm.
The two medications in this product could potentially work against each other. Guaifenesin makes mucus easier to cough up, while dextromethorphan (the "DM" in Robitussin Dm (Guaifenesin / Dextromethorphan)) stops you from coughing.
Needs to be taken more often during the day than other products with guaifenesin, like Mucinex.
Can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and an upset stomach.

Can't take dextromethorphan if you're taking MAO inhibitors (drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, depression, and other emotional conditions). If taken together, they will cause dangerously high blood pressure levels.
If you're taking this in combination with other cold and allergy medications, you should read labels closely to make sure you're not accidentally taking too much of a single ingredient.

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