How fast does delsym work

To do that, they send a chemical signal, which is picked up by special receptors in your brain, like a key fitting into a lock. Dextromethorphan works on the part of your brain responsible for the cough reflex, disrupting the communication between your brain and the nerves which provoke the coughing. It temporarily blocks the "lock" so that the "key" no longer fits. Without as many pro-coughing signals actually getting through to your brain and fewer keys able to fit into their locks , you're less likely to reach the threshold needed for a cough reflex, and your persistent cough gets better or goes away.

While dextromethorphan alone is often enough to combat cough, it can also work in combination with other forms of medication to control coughing and congestion. Guaifenesin helps to loosen and break up mucus in your airways, helping to get rid of chest congestion that otherwise might trigger your mechanoreceptors.

Robitussin is also an over-the-counter cough suppressant. The active ingredient of Robitussin is also dextromethorphan. Robitussin Hour Cough Relief comes in three and five ounces in orange and grape flavors and can be used by children 4 years of age and older.

Delsym and Robitussin are indicated in the temporary relief of cough. They are especially useful in non-productive coughs such as the common cold and bronchitis. Dextromethorphan, the active ingredient in the brand name products Delsym and Robitussin, is used off-label to treat painful diabetic neuropathy.

Off-label is a term that refers to using a drug for a purpose not officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration FDA. NMDA receptors play an important role in pain perception, especially long-term, throbbing pain. By blocking these receptors, dextromethorphan is thought to help improve pain control.

By the same mechanism, dextromethorphan may increase opioid effects on pain relief. Given that Delsym and Robitussin are both the same concentration of dextromethorphan polistirex, their efficacy is best understood as compared to other cough suppressants. In a clinical study comparing dextromethorphan to codeine, dextromethorphan produced a clinically similar level of cough suppression. In this study, patients reported a greater decrease in cough intensity with dextromethorphan as compared to codeine.

Given that dextromethorphan is not an opiate, and is available without a prescription, products containing dextromethorphan are generally considered a first-line treatment. The Journal of Family Practice published findings that dextromethorphan produces superior cough relief as compared to other remedies, including antihistamines, decongestants, and expectorants.

Expectorants may be indicated in patients with a wet, productive cough to assist in being able to clear the mucus from the airway.

Dextromethorphan-containing products, such as Delsym and Robitussin, are widely regarded as a first choice in cough suppression. If your cough is long-lasting or not relieved by over-the-counter cough medicines, you should seek medical attention, as it could be a sign that there is a more severe process occurring.

Delsym and Robitussin are available without a prescription, and therefore are typically not covered by commercial insurance or Medicare programs. Delsym and Robitussin have a similar side effect profile due to the fact that they are each long-acting formulations of dextromethorphan. Side effects and adverse events are generally limited and very mild. They may include dizziness, fatigue, and drowsiness. Patients who are allergic to dextromethorphan or any other ingredient in the suspensions could experience rash, or in extreme cases, an anaphylactic allergic reaction.

There have been reports of abuse of dextromethorphan containing cold products, especially in combination with opioid products. This is thought to be due to its potential to increase the tolerance threshold of opioids. At higher than recommended doses, dextromethorphan can produce serotonergic side effects similar to serotonin syndrome, a condition in which the body has too much free serotonin.

Symptoms of this condition include confusion, excitement, restlessness, irritability, nausea, and vomiting. Delsym and Robitussin should only be used according to the directions on the package labeling and at the advice of your healthcare provider.

Delsym and Robitussin have the same profile of drug interactions given their same active ingredient. These drugs should be avoided when possible in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs. MAOIs such as selegiline and linezolid may increase the likelihood of serotonin syndrome when used with drugs that have serotonergic activity, such as dextromethorphan products. Delsym contains a single active ingredient, dextromethorphan, which controls cough.

If you are taking any other medications, you should talk to your health care provider before using Delsym. Measure only with dosing cup provided.

Do not use dosing cup with other products. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOI are drugs used to treat depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease. If you are taking an MAOI drug, consult with your doctor before you take any medicines. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. It is not advisable to use products stored outside of the recommended storage temperatures since pharmaceutical products have a specific storage temperature range.